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	<title> &#187; About Thailand</title>
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		<title>Alternative Accommodation in Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/alternative-accommodation-in-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailand-blog.com/alternative-accommodation-in-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 09:33:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hotels]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=43</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[An important thing to consider when visiting another country is where you will be staying and how much you can afford to pay each night, along with how long you will be staying.  A great site to find nice, affordable places to stay is wimdu.com (http://www.wimdu.com).  If you become a fan on Facebook, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An important thing to consider when visiting another country is where you will be staying and how much you can afford to pay each night, along with how long you will be staying.  A great site to find nice, affordable places to stay is <a href="http://www.wimdu.com">wimdu.com</a> (http://www.wimdu.com).  If you become a fan on Facebook, you get a free $70 voucher.</p>
<p>An example of a place to stay that our site offers is Loog Choob.  Loog Choob is situated in the middle of Bangkok and is within walking distance of Bangkok&#8217;s old town, where there are many attractions.  It is also within driving distance of downtown.  This family-run business renovated from the shop houses and is in residential style.  A 100 year old market, Nang Loeng Market, is also nearby where you can eat a variety of Thai foods and desserts.  Some amenities provided are Internet, air conditioning, heating, washer and dryer, TV, wireless Internet, hot tub, buzzer and intercom, cable TV, elevator, and parking.</p>
<p>Another example of a nice room to stay in that is only $35 a night is from myung sook and is a fully furnished double room.  Some of the amenities are Internet, breakfast, cable TV, air conditioning, washer and dryer, kitchen, buzzer and intercom, and wireless Internet.</p>
<p>Another comfortable room to stay at in Thailand is only $30 each night.  The amenities include microwave, Internet, pool, gym, hot tub, air conditioning, and kitchen, wireless Internet, TV, parking, and elevator.  This apartment is located in downtown near a shopping mall, supermarket, traditional market, and a historic temple.</p>
<p>By choosing to stay with locals during your stay in Thailand you will save a great deal of money and be able to either stay longer or enjoy more fun activities during your stay.  In addition, the rooms offered are just as clean and nice as a hotel room.  The only difference is that it is more affordable and in a smaller area.</p>
<p>You can use these free $70 vouchers: q3szvb, dedng9, v1ma3m, nwrtfu, qzs6n8, qz194d, 6dgc5c, wt2ux4. They are on first come first served basis, but you can visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wimdu-Thailand/221429411202026?sk=wall">Wimdu Facebook Thailand</a> (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wimdu-Thailand/221429411202026?sk=wall) for more free vouchers. You will also get $50 discount on Air Asia.</p>
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		<title>Islands of Thailand</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/islands-of-thailand/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 05:49:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beaches]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=41</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If Kashmir is popular as the ‘Paradise on Earth’, the islands of Thailand, particularly in the southern end, are not lagging far behind – they are famously known as the “Island Paradise. This description has originated because of the charming seaside and temperate humid atmosphere as well as the beautiful scenery and glorious traditions and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If Kashmir is popular as the ‘Paradise on Earth’, the islands of Thailand, particularly in the southern end, are not lagging far behind – they are famously known as the “Island Paradise. This description has originated because of the charming seaside and temperate humid atmosphere as well as the beautiful scenery and glorious traditions and culture. These isles offer the vacationers an ideal change from their mundane, but hectic routine lifestyles to a world of peace and tranquility.  </p>
<p>At an initial glance all islands of Thailand may appear to be the same to vacationers seeking freedom from their habitual city life. However, when one visits any of these ‘Paradise Islands’, they gradually, begin to realize the difference. As one gets familiar with the isles and the surroundings, it is easy to appreciate that each of these islands are as different and unique as the individual tourists. A visit to these ‘Paradise Islands’ is indeed a revelation – both inwards and outwards. </p>
<p>Significantly, while the expenses of vacationing in several of these ‘Paradise Islands’ is very high, while others are not. Each of these islands is different – some are tranquil, while others offer stimulating and exhilarating nightlife events. On the other hand, a few of these isles are ideal destinations for divers, while others offer innumerable opportunities to trekkers. The islands in Thailand have it all – from the crowded and dirty seaside areas to the amazingly gorgeous beaches. They also offer an assortment of lodging facilities &#8212; from huts offering nothing more than a blanket to elite and lavish resorts to suit a higher taste and budget. </p>
<p>Many tourists vouch that <a href="http://www.globaltravelmate.com/asia/thailand/koh-phangan">Koh Phangan</a> is undoubtedly the perfect choice for a perfect vacation as it has a beautiful ambience. Pattaya, on the other hand is a livelier place as a result of its nightlife and vivacious lifestyle. Koh Samet which is near Pattaya is ideal for spending a few days relaxing and is 45 minutes away by boat from Bangkok. Koh Chang, which is further south of <a href="http://www.globaltravelmate.com/asia/thailand/koh-samet">Koh Samet</a>, is a large island famous for the entertainment and excitement it offers. Also, nearby is the White Sand resort that comes to life after sunset with wild parties and bonfires. </p>
<p>Moving further south, the two islands of <a href="http://www.globaltravelmate.com/asia/thailand/koh-samui">Koh Samui</a> and Koh Pha-Ngan are major centres for people for shopping and also for business reasons. This is because Koh Samui is a business center and has impressive malls and hotels. Pha-Ngan, on the other hand, is famous as a party island and a place to sight the full moons, half moons and other phases of the lunar cycle. </p>
<p>All said and done, the best thing about the islands in Thailand is the beaches; the night life there can be enjoyed without eating too much into your wallet. In my opinion the best way to enjoy a vacation in Thailand is to select a small island, away from the more commercialized and developed ones, and enjoy the scenery and serenity without the hassles of modern day urban technology.</p>
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		<title>Thailand Culture</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/thailand-culture/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 03:35:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/thailand-culture/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand, roughly translated to mean “Land of the Free”, is the only South East Asian country which escaped colonization by foreign powers. By virtue of its position the culture of Thailand is influenced mainly by those of China and India.   King Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng, the Great, of the Sukhothai Kingdom, who ruled Thailand [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thailand, roughly translated to mean “Land of the Free”, is the only South East Asian country which escaped colonization by foreign powers. By virtue of its position the culture of Thailand is influenced mainly by those of China and India.   King Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng, the Great, of the Sukhothai Kingdom, who ruled Thailand from 1278, is believed to have founded the Thai alphabet and the language.  He had installed a Golden Bell for attending to the complaints of subjects, inspired by a similar act of Manu Neethi Chola of the Chola dynasty of Tamilnadu in India. </p>
<p>The hot and humid climate of Thailand being is very similar to that of Tamilnadu, and merchants from the Chola kingdom had settled in Siam during this period.  Tamil words have been mixed with the Thai language and have since been accepted in their vocabulary. Many rituals and customs practiced in Thailand, especially those rituals connected with coronation of the king, also reflect the Hindu traditions of India. In fact, the oldest known Hindu temple is also situated in Angor Vat in Thailand.<br />
However, Sinhalese monks brought Theravada Buddhism, which is the oldest Buddhist school currently existing in Thailand. Today around 94% of the Thais are Buddhists.  However, the Thais have evolved their own brand of Buddhism by including other regional beliefs like worshipping of ancestors and animism. </p>
<p>A major part of Thai culture is the traditions that are followed and are passes down from generation to generation. Fro instance, it is customary that while meeting the elders for the first time, the youngsters should perform wai, which is almost like the Namaste of the Indians. Elders remain the decision makers in all the matters and respecting the elders is most important for the Thais.  Even while eating, the youngsters have to wait patiently until every elder present in the table starts eating.  These practices are extremely similar to those found in India, when the elders are served first and no one will get up from the table until the eldest person finishes the meal and signals the end of the meal, by leaving the table first.</p>
<p>Also, stepping over persons or food items is taboo as similar to a belief in India that no one should use the feet to point out, as the feet are considered to be dirty.<br />
The people of Thailand like social gatherings and getting together.  In a group, every person is expected to make individual contribution to the topic, however serious or otherwise, it may be.<br />
Whenever a person is not happy with a situation, or another person, it is common practice to complain.  But Thais take very badly to complaining directly to the face.  Also, complaining to the elders is something like a taboo for a Thailand native. Thailand is called “Land of Smiles”, for good reason.  The indirect manner of approaching through a third person is the right way of complaining, Thai style, that is. </p>
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		<title>Khon Kaen and Songkhla – Thailand’s Pride!</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/khon-kaen-and-songkhla-%e2%80%93-thailand%e2%80%99s-pride/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailand-blog.com/khon-kaen-and-songkhla-%e2%80%93-thailand%e2%80%99s-pride/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:36:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Places to go]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=38</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand is one of the prime tourist destinations in the world. In addition to the more popular Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok, there are several other places that you can visit in this country. 
Khon Kaen is an important educational center located in the North-East. It is also a commercial hub and a tourist base visited [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thailand is one of the prime tourist destinations in the world. In addition to the more popular Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok, there are several other places that you can visit in this country. </p>
<p>Khon Kaen is an important educational center located in the North-East. It is also a commercial hub and a tourist base visited by travelers from all over the world. Khon Kaen is home to one of the most popular museums in the world. The National Museum houses artifacts that date back to the Dvaravati period. The museum also has some ancient bronze sculptures of Ban Chiang. </p>
<p>For families visiting Khon Kaen, the Kaen Nakhon Lake is the perfect place for a picnic. Khon Kaen is also quite famous for its silk industry and the Silk Fair that is organized every year in December. </p>
<p>Wildlife lovers will have a great time in Khon Kaen. This place is home to some of the rarest creatures in the world. However, the cobra and the turtles are the most popular around this region. With dinosaur fossils unearthed in the Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen has also become an important archeological destination. The waterfalls in this place are a major tourist attraction. </p>
<p>Songkhla is another fascinating tourist destination in Thailand. Situated 950 kilometers from Bangkok, Songkhla is an important port and coastal region in Thailand. With ancient ruins, Songkhla has enjoyed the reputation of being a historic town. Over the centuries, cultural practices have been passed down from generation to generation and people still follow the ancient traditions. Songkhla is famous for its numerous dialects and folk entertainment organized for the tourists who visit this place. </p>
<p>Songkhla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, with exotic beaches and some world-class resorts. Tourists come here for the tranquility it offers. The architecture and cuisine of this town has retained its ancient flavor and this is one of the major reasons for its fast development. The Hat Yai, located 28 kms from Songkhla is a major shopping hub. In addition to a plethora of shopping centers, such as Lido, Odeon and Sanehanuson, there are several small shops that sell electric goods as well as food products. </p>
<p>You can also visit the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary and the world-famous 7-tiered waterfall, located around 26 kilometers from Songkhla. The view from the tiers is breathtaking. Tourists can also experience adventure at its best by taking one of the exciting trekking trails in this region. </p>
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		<title>Enjoy the Unique Culture of Thailand!</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/enjoy-the-unique-culture-of-thailand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailand-blog.com/enjoy-the-unique-culture-of-thailand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:07:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Places to go]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=31</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand is a country where the past has been preserved in its true perspective, largely because it has remained untouched by the British influence almost in full. 
The spirit of its ancient culture still survives and is silhouetted all through-out the country-side and is evident to all those who visit this beautiful place.
The lush- green [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thailand is a country where the past has been preserved in its true perspective, largely because it has remained untouched by the British influence almost in full. </p>
<p>The spirit of its ancient culture still survives and is silhouetted all through-out the country-side and is evident to all those who visit this beautiful place.</p>
<p>The lush- green mountainous up-lands are enriched by a great variety of fauna and flora. Elephant herds and monk-tamed tigers moving around the monastery grounds, present the on-looker unique and awesome sights to witness.</p>
<p>Ayuthya, Bangkok, Chiangmai, Chiangrai, Kanchanburi, Korat, Mae Hong, Sukhothai, Son and Ubon Ratchathani, and regions that are not only just incredible tourist spots and cultural hotspots of Thailand but they also host an unending scenic feast for the eyes, as well as for the taste buds for all who those who move midst their hospitable reaches and sample Thai cuisine. </p>
<p>The Thai coastline also offers a variety of unique beaches and sporting sites to sea-sport enthusiasts, surfers, scuba-divers and swimmers. These beaches include Cha-am, Chanthaburi, Hua-Hin, Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattava, Pranburi and Tarang.</p>
<p>Many small, romantic, beaches are also based on a number of small islands of this beautiful country. The islands of Koh chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Si Chang, Koh Phangan, Koh Samed, Phi Phi, Phuket, and Samui are capable of pandering to all your senses with their delicious natural beauty and calming scenery – ideal for weekend getaways and long vacations where one can enjoy the delights of nature.</p>
<p>Many tourists are seen spending several hours on shopping sprees around the daily or weekly make-shift markets around the busy sea shores and country side, where the native people sell a variety of things at affordable and highly competitive prices. The Thai markets showcase colorful handicrafts and items that are resonant of the unique Thai culture. What’s more is that you can get most of these items at a bargain.</p>
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		<title>Phuket – The Island of The Gods</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/phuket-%e2%80%93-the-island-of-the-gods/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:27:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Places to go]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pristine Beauty! That’s what I would call Phuket Island. Stunning coves and bays, fascinating white-fringed beaches, vibrant island-dotted seas and lovely mountains and waterfalls, make a visit to this place truly rejuvenating. In addition to these, Phuket Island offers unmatched hospitality and accommodation that is comparable to the best in the world. Phuket is the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pristine Beauty! That’s what I would call Phuket Island. Stunning coves and bays, fascinating white-fringed beaches, vibrant island-dotted seas and lovely mountains and waterfalls, make a visit to this place truly rejuvenating. In addition to these, Phuket Island offers unmatched hospitality and accommodation that is comparable to the best in the world. Phuket is the ideal place for an enchanting holiday and by the time you return home, you would have planned your next vacation to this place. </p>
<p>Phuket Island offers some of the finest resort hotels and is considered Asia’s most popular holiday destination. With its world-class accommodation and tourism, it is not surprising that Phuket has gained international stature in no time. People who visit this island have a choice of first-class resort hotels or economy-class hotels to suit their wallets. First-class resort hotels offer the best of air-conditioned accommodation and spectacular views of the place. However, economy class hotels are not too far behind, aesthetically. You can choose from a variety of &#8216;native-styled&#8217; complexes, built with bamboo, rattan and Nipa palm thatch.</p>
<p>The coastline of Phuket appears to be graced by Gods. These beaches are Phuket’s pride. You can find beaches with white sand and calm waters, as well as rocky capes that are pounded by the wild sea waves. The coves that are hidden among densely forested capes and the tranquil beaches can transport you to a world, far away from the madding crowd. You can find islands of different shapes and sizes, ranging from large ones supporting fishing communities to smaller ones that are no bigger than huge rocks. </p>
<p>To complement the unadulterated beauty of the Phuket Island, the nightlife in Patong Beach offers the best of bars, pubs, discos and ago go bars. These places are immensely popular across the world and are the best nightlife destinations in this island. The bars, pubs and discos provide the place its distinct blend of beauty and lively fun. The best discos in the Patong Beach are the Banana Disco and the Shark Club, which are located at Soi Bangla and the Safari Pub that is located on the hill towards Kata Beach.</p>
<p>If you seek some classic nightlife experience, you can try the Thai-style ‘coffee shops’, where women in fancy costumes sing Thai songs to entertain customers. They also stage some funny skits and other types of entertainment.</p>
<p>In Phuket, there are a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit all tastes. The variety in cuisine and dining experience is Phuket’s biggest attraction. You can have breakfast at your hotel, lunch at a noodle stall by the roadside, and have dinner with fine wine in a world-class air-conditioned restaurant.</p>
<p>When you are in Thailand, you must never forget to get a Thai massage. A dive in the sea and a wild night of dancing and singing should always be followed by a refreshing body massage at the gentle hands of Thai girls. The traditional Thai massage, apparently, is one of the most famous recreational activities in Thailand. This exquisite massage has been practiced for centuries and the skills have been passed down from one generation to the next. </p>
<p>The place also offers some wonderful therapeutic massage for treatment of specific conditions and diseases. However, this is not very common here and is administered only by a small number of skilled practitioners. If you are not looking to spend too much on a massage, you could opt for a massage in one of the many massage parlors lined up all over Phuket for a few Bahts. </p>
<p>Phuket Island is a holiday destination that caters to diverse tastes, all budgets and assures a memorable experience. People of all ages can experience exotic beauty at its best in Phuket. So, fly down to Phuket Island and experience the holiday of a lifetime. </p>
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		<title>Floods in Thailand cause stress and destruction</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/floods-in-thailand-cause-stress-and-destruction/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailand-blog.com/floods-in-thailand-cause-stress-and-destruction/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2006 11:06:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=23</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Public Health Ministry has revealed yesterday, that more than 30,000 people are suffering from severe stress caused by the extensive flooding since late August.  Ministry spokesman Supan Srithamma said medical mobile units in the flood-affected areas found 30,350 people suffering from high stress levels due to loss of relatives or property, and seven [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Public Health Ministry has revealed yesterday, that more than 30,000 people are suffering from severe stress caused by the extensive flooding since late August.  Ministry spokesman Supan Srithamma said medical mobile units in the flood-affected areas found 30,350 people suffering from high stress levels due to loss of relatives or property, and seven per cent of them had fallen ill. </p>
<p>Health permanent secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongvirot explained during a visit to units in flood-affected Suphan Buri that water-born diseases, skin infections and common colds were the most common afflictions.  He said more than 17 000 patients were being treated each day. In Angthong 40,000 the units had seen patients and 64 per cent of that number had fallen ill with water-born diseases. </p>
<p>In the last few months 104 people had drowned, of which most were children. Most of the drownings took place in Phichit and Ayutthaya.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Southern Thailand was warned of possible floods and landslides in the next two days. The Meteorological Department warned the provinces from Surat Thani southwards of heavy rainfall, and urged residents in risk areas to brace for floods. Strong, three-metre-high waves were expected in the Gulf of Thailand. </p>
<p>The Mineral Resources Department warned Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Krabi, Trang, Satun and nearby provinces of possible forest run-offs and landslides. </p>
<p>Angthong Governor Wiboon Sanguanpong yesterday described flooding in the province as the &#8220;worst in 111 years&#8221;, with all seven districts under &#8220;chest-deep water in some spots&#8221;. </p>
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		<title>Hollywood comes to Thailand &#8211; again!</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/hollywood-comes-to-thailand-again/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:55:47 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[According to the Thai Film Office, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars will be shooting big budget films soon, with Thailand as their backdrops. Rambo-star Sylvester Stallone and Oscar-winner Denzel Washington are both set to film movies in Thailand within the next few months.
Sylvester Stallone is returning from retirement and making his Hollywood comeback in “Rambo [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>According to the Thai Film Office, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars will be shooting big budget films soon, with Thailand as their backdrops. Rambo-star Sylvester Stallone and Oscar-winner Denzel Washington are both set to film movies in Thailand within the next few months.<br />
Sylvester Stallone is returning from retirement and making his Hollywood comeback in “Rambo IV: In the Serpent’s Eye”. “The movie will be shot in the country&#8217;s lush, mountainous northern provinces,” says Wanasiri Morakul, director of the Thailand Film Office.<br />
In the latest sequel, John Rambo is pulled out of retirement in Bangkok to help find missionary aid workers who disappear as they&#8217;re delivering supplies to ethnic minorities in neighbouring Myanmar.</p>
<p>Washington is due to arrive in Thailand in the first week of November to play Harlem heroin kingpin Frank Lucas in “American Gangster”, a movie about drugs being smuggled to New York in the 1970’s inside the coffins of American soldiers killed in the Vietnam War.<br />
Only about 5 percent of the movie will be shot in Thailand &#8211; in the capital Bangkok and in the mountainous north &#8211; employing about 250 Thai’s and bringing the country at least 60 million baht (US$1.6 million, euro1.3 million), Wanasiri said.<br />
Thailand has touted itself as an ideal film location and had a total of 372 shoots this year for foreign movies, TV series, ads and music videos, worth 1.38 billion baht (US$37 million, euro29 million).</p>
<p>Recent blockbusters shot partially in Thailand include “Alexander” and “Star Wars Episode III”.</p>
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		<title>Nong Toom Struggle Of A Beautiful Boxer</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/nong-toom-struggle-of-a-beautiful-boxer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailand-blog.com/nong-toom-struggle-of-a-beautiful-boxer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:08:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nong Toom is one of the strongest people in Thailand, and not just because she is a Thai boxer. Nong Toom is a real-life hero and heroine, having undergone the massive problems of being both a successful boxer and a transvestite. Born as a biological male called Parinya Charonenphol, Nong Toom has always thought that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Nong Toom is one of the strongest people in Thailand, and not just because she is a Thai boxer. Nong Toom is a real-life hero and heroine, having undergone the massive problems of being both a successful boxer and a transvestite. Born as a biological male called Parinya Charonenphol, Nong Toom has always thought that she was a girl rather than a boy. Despite this, she has a massive talent at fighting, and made a name for herself by knocking out many male opponents in the Muay Thai. She had a formidable record of 20 wins with 18 Knockouts, and was both feared and loathed amongst her opponents. </p>
<p>Despite this, she battled on and won more and more money in order to keep food on her family’s plates. Eventually, she was given the chance of a sex change operation at the age of 17 when Yunhee Hospital paid sponsored her for the costs of the operation. Her muscular frame made many think she could never be a woman, but in fact this made her recovery quicker and she was able to get up and walk around just four days after he operation.</p>
<p>Despite being taunted by her boxing peers, her family have stuck by her. Now semi-retired from boxing, she runs a business selling cosmetics and boxing gear for women. Since her operation, Nong Toom has gone from strength to strength, and adopted a baby girl a few years ago. She also had a film made about her, called Beautiful Boxer, which was attended by the King of Thailand’s sister. Nong Toom continues to fight for her right to be known as a woman in Thailand, and her story of courage is one that everyone in Thailand and beyond can take inspiration from.</p>
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		<title>Thailand Getting Help From The Germans</title>
		<link>http://www.thailand-blog.com/thailand-getting-help-from-the-germans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thailand-blog.com/thailand-getting-help-from-the-germans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:51:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Thailand]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thailand-blog.com/?p=20</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although Thailand are not in this year’s World Cup, there is a strong effort within the country to make sure that they soon will be. The help that Thailand receives comes from an unlikely source: A former German professional footballer. Franz Schwarzwalder has been coaching Thailand’s young prospects for 8 years, and believes that they [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although Thailand are not in this year’s World Cup, there is a strong effort within the country to make sure that they soon will be. The help that Thailand receives comes from an unlikely source: A former German professional footballer. Franz Schwarzwalder has been coaching Thailand’s young prospects for 8 years, and believes that they could soon be a footballer force to fear; such is the level of their youth coaching.</p>
<p>Schwarzwalder believes that “The Thai youth team is better than Germany’s”. However, it appears Thailand is having problems converting this youth talent to senior level. However, Schwarzwalder believes he can help to change this, and he has already had some success. Over the last few years, four players from the team he coaches at the Assumption College have made it to the under-23 team. </p>
<p>Although much still needs to be done, Schwarzwalder and others are moving Thai football in the right direction. Having played in the German 1st and second divisions for 12 years with the likes of Gerd Muller and Franz Beckenbauer, he is helping to bring expertise and passion to Thai football.</p>
<p>As well as being the head football coach at the Assumption College, he is also a German teacher there. He has taught the Thai under-16 side, as well as coaching in the Franz Beckenbauer Football Academy in Nong Chok. </p>
<p>If Thailand want to compete at the highest level of football, then help from passionate and experienced players and coaches like Schwarzwalder is invaluable. And who knows, perhaps in years to come Thailand will taste some World Cup glory of their own.</p>
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