<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!-- generator="WordPress/2.9.2" -->
<rss version="0.92">
<channel>
	<title>Thailand Travel Online</title>
	<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com</link>
	<description>Your Resource for Thailand Travel - Come Join Our Growing Community.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:07:39 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<docs>http://backend.userland.com/rss092</docs>
	<language>en</language>
	
	<item>
		<title>Free Thailand Tourist Visas for One Year More</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Thailand government has agreed to a request by the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) to extend the free tourist visa program introduced last year in an attempt to claw back reduced inbound tourist numbers.
The Thai cabinet was told yesterday that inbound tourism figures for 2009 dropped by 3 percent [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/free-thailand-tourist-visas-for-one-year-more/1934/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Chiang Mai International Airport Completes Massive Upgrade</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The conclusion of a six year, Bt2 billion (about $US61 million) expansion project at Chiang Mai International Airport means the Northern Thailand city is now well positioned to capitalize on future air travel growth to the region.
Commenced in 2004, well prior to the dramatic downturn in air travel experienced in 2009, the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/chiang-mai-international-airport-completes-massive-upgrade/1936/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Mice Planners Soon to Have Latitude at Laguna Phuket</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Already billed as one of Asia’s finest luxury destination resorts, Laguna Phuket plans to increase its attractiveness to the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) market with a 1,000sq.m (about 10,700sq.ft) marquee-style convention centre to be named Latitude.
The new venue will be constructed on a 1,500sq.m (16,000sq.ft) concrete base and comprise an [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/mice-planners-soon-to-have-latitude-at-laguna-phuket/1932/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand to Sniff Out Ivory Smugglers at Suvarnabhumi</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Passengers and their luggage entering Thailand through Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport are to get a good sniffing on the way into the country, but its all for a good cause.
Over the last two years, 4,000kg (about 8,818lb) of ivory worth about Bt170 million ($US5.2 million) has been intercepted entering the country, resulting [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-to-sniff-out-ivory-smugglers-at-suvarnabhumi/1931/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Wai Khru Ceremony – Pay Tribute to Muay Thai Teachers on Nai Khanom Tom Day</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 10, 2010 to March 17, 2010. ] 

Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing), Thailand's national sport, has evolved from Muay Boran - an ancient unarmed combat technique used by Siamese soldiers. Muay Thai is well known for its effective kicks and punches as almost any part of the body is considered as a target and any part of the body, except the head, can [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-activities/thailand-sports-adventure/wai-khru-ceremony-%e2%80%93-pay-tribute-to-muay-thai-teachers-on-nai-khanom-tom-day/1915/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Free Hotels Offered to Divers in Phang Nga Province</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Free hotel accommodation in Thai Muang and a 50 percent discount on hotel rooms in Khao Lak is being offered to any divers wishing to join an attempt to set a world record for a mass dive in Pha Nga Province on April 3.
It is hoped that more than 3,000 divers will [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/free-hotels-offered-to-divers-in-phang-nga-province/1910/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Half a Million People Expected for 2010 Pattaya International Music Festival</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The 2010 Pattaya International Music Festival kicks off on March 19 and plans are well underway to ensure that this years event, the ninth, is even bigger than last years.
The three day event will see at least four sound stages setup along Pattaya Beach providing different genres of music, with organisers hopeful [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/half-a-million-people-expected-for-2010-pattaya-international-music-festival/1904/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>18th Discovery Thailand and Discovery World 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 11, 2010 to March 14, 2010. ] 
Following the great success of the last show, the 18th Discovery Thailand &#38; Discovery World 2010 will be held again for summer time from March 11-14, 2010 at Queen Sirikit Convention Center in Bangkok.

Guests will enjoy visiting the over 1,200 stalls that will fill the convention hall, and this is the best time to learn [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/discovery-thailand-and-discovery-world/1379/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Bangkok Hub to Spur Turkish Airlines Australasian Growth</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Turkey’s national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines (Turkish), has committed almost half of its 2010 worldwide advertising budget to promoting Bangkok as its Australasian hub as it eyes growth in the region.
The Istanbul-based carrier has been involved in code-sharing talks with Thailand’s national airline, Thai Airways International (THAI) for almost a year and [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/bangkok-hub-to-spur-turkish-airlines-australasian-growth/1890/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>2009 Profits Put Thai in the Black</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s national flag carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI), has reported an operating profit for the 2009 year of Bt7.34 billion (about $US221.7 million).
The report was lodged with the Bangkok Stock Exchange on Friday, while much of the country’s interest was focused on the outcome of a long-running corruption court case involving runaway [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/2009-profits-put-thai-in-the-black/1884/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai Airways Targets Mobile/Internet Market</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Within the next three months those with GPRS equipped mobile phones will be able to complete the full booking, buying, seat allocation and check-in process for Thai Airways International (THAI) using just their handsets.
While previously somewhat of an e-Commerce laggard, THAI is set to embrace web 2.0 and mobile technology in a [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-airways-targets-mobileinternet-market/1874/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Khao Lak Beach, Phuket Killer</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Khao Lak Beach in Phang Nga


For Mam. Enjoy your trip sweet lady&#8230;
As one of the areas hardest affected by the 2004 tsunami, Khao Lak beach in Phang Nga province on the west coast in Southern Thailand (just north of Phuket) has nearly completely recovered from damages and continues to become increasingly popular among tourists. Only [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/thailand-beaches-islands/khao-lak-beach-phuket-killer/547/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>2010 King&#8217;s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Chiang Rai</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ March 22, 2010 to March 28, 2010. ] 

Thailand’s biggest Polo match (and I mean big... as in elephant sized!), the 2010 King’s Cup Polo Elephant Tournament, will be held during 22-28 March at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand.

The tournament will kick off in the morning when the elephants will be blessed with holy water and [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/northern-thailand-information/kings-cup-elephant-polo-tournament-in-chiang-rai/856/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Top International Destination With Swedes</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand  Travel News: Thailand has been voted the world’s top international tourism destination for a record eighth consecutive year by the 500 members of the Swedish travel and tourism industry.
The annual Grand Travel Awards, now in their 17th year, are hosted by prestigious Swedish travel publication Travel News, with a panel of the publications [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-top-international-destination-with-swedes/1869/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>LPGA Opening Round in Thailand To Feature The Worlds Best Women’s Golfers &#8211; Full list of LPGA Thailand Players &amp; Tee-off Times</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	LPGA Player of the Year and last years Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand tournament winner Lorena Ochoa from Mexico returns to defend her title. Photo: Havre De Grace

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS &#8211; The opening round of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) 2010 tour kicks off in Thailand tomorrow with 60 of the worlds best female golfers competing [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/lpga-opening-round-in-thailand-to-feature-the-worlds-best-women%e2%80%99s-golfers-full-list-of-lpga-thailand-players-tee-off-times/1868/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong – an Imposing Central Bangkok Landmark</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	The Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong is an imposing central Bangkok landmark building in the heart of the business and upscale shopping district.

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Marriot International owned Renaissance Hotels &#038; Resorts brand has opened its second Thailand property, the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong, in the heart of Bangkok’s upscale shopping precinct on Ploenchit Road.
Comprising 22 floors [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/renaissance-bangkok-ratchaprasong-%e2%80%93-an-imposing-central-bangkok-landmark/1867/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Burapa Bike Week Attracts over 200,000 Big Bike Fans</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Some of the estimated 7,000 big bikes that gathered in Pattaya for Burapa Bike Week 2010 on their mass ride through the city. Photo: John Le Fevre

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors to Pattaya last weekend could be forgiven for thinking they had woken up in Daytona Beach, Florida, instead of Chonburi Province, Thailand, as thousands of [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/burapa-bike-week-attracts-over-200000-big-bike-fans/1866/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Fascinating Khao Sok National Park, Southern Thailand Rain Forest Reserve</title>
		<description><![CDATA[

	
	Waterfall in Khao Sok Rainforest

Khao Sok national park in southern Thailand remains one of the most unique and beautiful areas in Thailand.  Khao Sok Park, one of the largest tracts of virgin rain forest remaining in southern Thailand, is believed by some people to be older and more diverse than even the rain forests in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-activities/thailand-ecotourism-natural-thailand/fascinating-khao-sok-national-park-southern-thailand-rain-forest-reserve/1005/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai Airlines to Lease New Aircraft, Further Cut Costs</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Following a successful 2009 year expected to show it has returned to profitability, Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced its plans to lease an additional 15 aircraft to service its regional and long-haul routes.
The Bt31.3 billion (about $US949 million) deal will see THAI acquire seven 300-seat aircraft for use on regional routes [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-airlines-to-lease-new-aircraft-further-cut-costs/1865/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Swiss Golden Tulip Groups Snaps Up Two Pattaya Hotels</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Swiss-based hotel management group, Golden Tulip, will take over two Pattaya hotels from the beginning of March, brining to three the number of properties the group manages.
The agreement will see the Royal Orchid Pattaya re-branded as the Golden Tulip Resort Pattaya, while The Erawan Hotel Pattaya will be re-named the Golden Tulip [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/swiss-golden-tulip-groups-snaps-up-two-pattaya-hotels/1864/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Pattaya Expats Race Beds for Local Underprivileged</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Some of the 32 beds in that took part in the 2010 Rotary Pattaya International Bed Race

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Pattaya chapter of Rotary International has just held its second annual bed race with local and foreign businesses in the seaside city raising more than Bt300,000 (about $US9,000) for underprivileged local residents.
More than 25,000 tourists [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/pattaya-expats-race-beds-for-local-underprivileged/1863/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 26, 2010 7:00 pm to March 28, 2010 11:59 pm. ] 

Getting ready for its third year, the Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2010 will launch again on 26 – 27 February 2010 along the beach-side of The Hilton Phuket Arcadia.

The fourth Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2010 guarantees music enthusiasts will be treated to a bigger and more entertaining than ever feature of talent.  This [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/phuket-international-blues-rock-festival/728/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Phangan Film Festival 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 12, 2010 to February 14, 2010. ] 

The meeting house for those who fall in love with independent films will hold its 3rd annual festival, “Phangan Film Festival 2010” (PFF 2010), during February 12 – 14, 2010.

The theme is nature and spirituality embedded in the films from various traditions around the world.

Apart from having a chance to witness diverse presentations of quality [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/thailand-beaches-islands/phangan-film-festival/541/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Koh Phangan: Wat Pho Healing Herbal Steam Spa</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Located in Ban Tai, the Wat Pho herbal sauna is a 10 minute drive from Thong Sala pier. The saunas, two rooms (male and female) are situated atop a flight of concrete steps where an antique looking metal boiler containing a mixture of water and herbs produces the luxuriant steam.  ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-special-interest/spa-travel-special-interest/koh-phangan-wat-pho-healing-herbal-steam-spa/458/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Makha Bhucha Day – Learn About Thai Culture During Religious Holidays</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 28, 2010; ] 

As Buddhism is the religion practiced by the large majority of Thai people, most holidays fall on national religious days including Makha Bhucha Day. Makha Bhucha Day is a day of Buddhist significance occurring annually on the full moon day of the third lunar month. Like other Buddhist holidays, Makha Bhucha Day will not happen [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-activities/culture-of-thailand/makha-bhucha-day-learn-about-thai-culture-during-religious-holidays/1849/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Season of Love at Pai – Take Part in this Special Thai-Lanna Wedding Ceremony</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 13, 2010 to February 15, 2010. ] 

The small town of Pai, hidden deep in the hills of northern Thailand, is well know as a charming and serene area enveloped by beautiful natural surroundings.  Pai attracts people from around the world with its particular relaxing atmosphere, where nothing is rushed. With a range of ethnic groups and nationalities, Pai offers a unique [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/season-of-love-at-pai-take-part-in-this-special-thai-lanna-wedding-ceremony/1846/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 5, 2010 to February 7, 2010. ] Since 1997, one of Thailand’s most amazing and beautiful events has taken place here, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/northern-thailand-information/chiang-mai-flower-festival/405/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Andara Resort and Villas Joins Preferred Boutique</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	One of the luxury villas at Andara Resort and Villas in Phuket

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Award winning Andara Resort and Villas in Phuket has joined Preferred Boutique, a collection of select luxury properties worldwide and part of the “by invitation only” Preferred Hotel Group.
Founded in 1968, Preferred Boutique embraces a philosophy of celebrating the distinctiveness of [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/conventionsexhibitions/andara-resort-and-villas-joins-preferred-boutique/1843/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>French Accor Open Pullman Aisawan Pattaya</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Europe’s largest hotel operator, French multinational corporation Accor, has opened its third Pullman branded hotel in Thailand, the Pullman Pattaya Aisawan, at Wong Amart Beach in North Pattaya.
The 353-room Pullman Pattaya Aisawan joins the Pullman Bangkok King Power and Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid in presenting the company’s four-star brand in Thailand, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/conventionsexhibitions/french-accor-open-pullman-aisawan-pattaya/1842/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand 2009 Passengers Numbers on Par with 2008</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Figures compiled by Airports of Thailand (AoT) show that the number of passengers passing through Thailand’s six main airports in 2009 were almost the same as that in 2008.
The AoT figures show that total passenger numbers fell by just 0.87 percent to 53.93 million, largely due to a 5.43 percent increase in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-2009-passengers-numbers-on-par-with-2008/1837/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Trang, Thailand Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2010 &#8211; Offers New Packages</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ February 12, 2010 to February 14, 2010. ] Trang Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to Trang Underwater Wedding 2010 with four special packages for bridal couples and guests.  The event will be held during February 12 – 14, 2010 at Pak Meng Beach, Trang in beautiful southern Thailand.

Trang has been promoting the unique Underwater Wedding Ceremony since 1996 and earned worldwide popularity [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/trang-thailand-underwater-wedding-ceremony-2010-offers-new-packages/1828/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>First Time Event &#8211; Bangkok International Tattoo Convention 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ January 15, 2010 to January 17, 2010. ] 

A long-time ago in Thailand having tattoos on the body was considered to be spiritual protection because people believed that tattoos conveyed spiritual messages and proffered special powers. A classic example would be that Thai warriors were tattooed to protect them from the enemy.

In these past times, tattoos were ritually created by monks and the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/first-time-event-bangkok-international-tattoo-convention-2010/1829/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>27th Annual Borsang (Bo Sang) Umbrella and San Kampaeng Handicraft Festival 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ January 15, 2010 to January 17, 2010. ] Chiang Mai and San Kampaeng district welcomes you to the 27th annual Borsang Umbrella and San Kampaeng Handicraft Festival 2010. This unique local festivity will be held during January 15 - 17 within the Borsang (or Bo Sang) Handicraft Village and along the street of San Kampaeng road, offering a great chance to shop for [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/northern-thailand-information/27th-annual-borsang-bo-sang-umbrella-and-san-kampaeng-handicraft-festival-2010/1827/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Best Western Puts its Signature on Pattaya with Premier Hotel</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	One of the finely finished rooms at the Best Western Premier Signature Pattaya

Thailand Travel News: Visitors to the seaside city of Pattaya now have another luxury hotel to choose from with the opening of the Best Western Premier Signature Pattaya – the  third Best Western branded property in the city and the 14th in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/best-western-puts-its-signature-on-pattaya-with-premier-hotel/1824/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>2009 Foreign Investment Applications Set 40 Year Record</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand Travel News: Thailand’s Board of investment (BoI) has reported it received a record Bt723.40 billion (about $US28.88 billion) worth of applications for foreign investment in 2009, the highest amount since the agency was established 40 years ago and exceeding the agencies target by 80 percent.
BoI secretary-general, Atchaka Sibunruang Brimble, said the record number of [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/2009-foreign-investment-applications-set-40-year-record/1823/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Tennis Icons to Play Pattaya Open</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Tennis fans are in for a treat when this year’s PTT Pattaya Open gets underway next month, with three of Asia&#8217;s tennis icons and last years winner confirmed for the event.
To be held at the Dusit Thani Hotel between February 7 and 14, the 2010 PTT Pattaya Open is part of the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/tennis-icons-to-play-pattaya-open/1822/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand’s Mice Market Regains its Impact</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Paul Kanjanapas, confident Thailand’s Mice industry is back on track for 2010

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Demonstrating that Thailand has shaken off the doldrums that enveloped it last year, the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center has reported that it already has bookings amounting to more than 40 percent of the exhibition space available for 2010.
Paul Kanjanapas, managing [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailands-mice-market-regains-its-impact/1821/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Hosts Charity Event for Local Orphans Home</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Children at the Viengping Children’s Home in Chiang Mai will benefit from the Four Seasons charity concert

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Classical music lovers with a charitable inclination who live or will be visiting Chiang Mai on January 23 should note the charity performance being hosted by the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.
Featuring Privy Councillor Usni Pramoj, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/four-seasons-resort-chiang-mai-hosts-charity-event-for-local-orphans-home/1820/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>SGA Airlines Launch Chiang Mai to Udon Thani Flights</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	The bright livery of SGA Airlines’ two Saab 340Bs will soon be seen on flights from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s first commuter airline, Siam General Aviation (SGA) Airlines, will finally take to the skies with daily flights from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani on January 17, following the delivery of two [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/sga-airlines-launch-chiang-mai-to-udon-thani-flights/1818/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Oakwood Apartments Trilliant Sukhumvit 18 Now Open</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The opening of the Oakwood Apartments Trilliant Sukhumvit 18, is the fourth property managed by the Oakwood Worldwide group in Thailand and brings to 470 the number of rooms and apartments the group now managers in the country.
Comprising 131 apartments, the new property is located in the heart of the Sukhumvit business [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/oakwood-apartments-trilliant-sukhumvit-18-now-open/1810/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Dairy and Cowboy Festival, Muak Lek, Saraburi</title>
		<description><![CDATA[

	
	Thailand Dairy and Cowboy Festival at Muak Lek, Saraburi

Come Learn About the Thai Dairy &#38; Cattle Farming Industry, Western Country Style 
The Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand plans to entertain all cowboy-hearted visitors by celebrating the Muak Lek dairy festival in country &#38; western style. Muak Lek, one of the districts in Saraburi province, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-activities/thailand-ecotourism-natural-thailand/thailand-dairy-and-cowboy-festival-muak-lek-saraburi/1793/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Suvarnabhumi Management Mull New Body Scanners</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Airports of Thailand concerned about public opinion on privacy, not cost, of new full-body scanners

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is contemplating the introduction of next generation full-body scanners in wake of the attempt on Christmas Day to blow up a Delta Airlines Airbus A330 on approach to Detroit.
AOT officials admit that security [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/suvarnabhumi-management-mull-new-body-scanners/1805/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Visit Isan and Experience the Pink Water Lily Blooming at Nong Han Lake</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Pink Water Lilies in Isan 

During the cool season in Thailand (between November-February) there are many reasons that a visitor may want to travel to Isaan (also Isan or Isarn), Thailand’s north east region. Among the many sights and interesting attractions is Ban Diem village, Kumphawapi District, in Udon Thani province. Every year Ban Diem [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/visit-isan-and-experience-the-pink-water-lily-blooming-at-nong-han-lake/1790/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>New Thailand Tourism Chief Upbeat for 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) new governor, Surahon Svetasreni, says plans are well underway for Thailand to regain the international tourism market share it lost in 2009 and grow and by between 7 and 10 percent.
Mr Surahon said inbound tourism arrivals for 2010 of between 15 and 15.5 million are achievable, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/new-thailand-tourism-chief-upbeat-for-2010/1804/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Fighting Cocks Exposed at Chiang Mai Centre</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	The Cockfighting Learning and Exhibition Centre attempts to educate and inform people about fighting cocks

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Cock fighting might be as popular with some people as bull fighting is with others, but in Thailand, as throughout the rest of Asia, it has a tradition going back hundreds of years. The Cockfighting Learning and Exhibition [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/fighting-cocks-exposed-at-chiang-mai-centre/1800/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Elderly Axed as THAI Seeks Younger Inflight Look</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand Travel News: Passengers flying on Thailand’s national flag carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI), should soon start noticing younger flight attendants serving their in-flight needs.
THAI has introduced a mutual separation plan (MSP) that targets female flight attendants over the age of 45, with the intention of replacing them with younger, less-costly models.
Senior flight attendants currently [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/elderly-axed-as-thai-seeks-younger-inflight-look/1792/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand to Target Key Lost Markets in 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to target leisure travelers in North East Asia, America, Singapore and the UAE in 2010, as part of its attempt to claw back losses in inbound tourists it suffered in 2009.
Visitor numbers from the four countries dropped dramatically during the 2009 year, primarily due to [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-to-target-key-lost-markets-in-2010/1791/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Tipped as Best Value Destination for Brits in 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: British long-haul tailor-made tour operator and retailer, Travelmood, has forecast that Thailand will be the best value for money travel destination for Britons in 2010.
Travelmood, who offer package travel deals around the world has issued an “extrAValue” brochure of holidays with added value offers, with Thailand offering the widest variety and the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-tipped-as-best-value-destination-for-brits-in-2010/1789/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>2009 Conde Nast Readers&#8217; Choice Awards &#8211; Thailand&#8217;s Hotel Resorts Wins Top Honors</title>
		<description><![CDATA[

	
	2009 Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards - Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai

Thailand’s reputation has earned yet higher regard and is again acknowledged as a world class destination, including the world top rated resort as confirmed by 2009 Readers&#8217; Choice Awards in Conde Nast Traveler.
Conde Nast Traveler has named Thailand&#8217;s Four Seasons [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-special-interest/spa-travel-special-interest/2009-conde-nast-readers-choice-awards-thailands-hotel-resorts-wins-top-honors/1784/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Baby Panda a $1 Million Bonanza for Chiang Mai Zoo</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s seven-month-old giant panda cub, Lin Ping, has generated more than Bt42 million (about $US1.25 million) for the Northern Thailand provincial zoo that aided conception through artificially insemination and have carefully watched over the early months of her life.
Prasertsak Buntragulpoontawee, head of the Panda Research and Display Project at Chiang Mai Zoo, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/baby-panda-a-1-million-bonanza-for-chiang-mai-zoo/1788/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Rail Network to Get Bt150billion Upgrade</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Thai cabinet has approved a Bt150 billion (about $US4.5 billion) budget for the reinvigoration of Thailand’s aging rail network, exceeding the original amount sought by B50 billion ($US1.5 billion).
The money will be spent purchasing new locomotives, improving train signaling systems, new rolling stock and laying more than 767 kilometers of duplicated [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-rail-network-to-get-bt150billion-upgrade/1787/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Suvarnabhumi Steps Up Security in Wake of US Bombing Attempt</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Travelers passing through Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport have been advised to allow extra time for security processing following the attempt to blow up a Delta Airlines Airbus A330 on approach to Detroit on Christmas Day.
Lieutenant Narongchai Thanadchangsaeng, deputy director for operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport, said passengers should allow at least three hours for [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/suvarnabhumi-steps-up-security-in-wake-of-us-bombing-attempt/1785/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>New Year Celebrations &#8211; Hua Hin Countdown 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 25, 2009 to January 1, 2010. ] Hua Hin invites you to their festive New Year celebrations, Hua Hin Countdown 2010, being held from December 25, 2009 to January 1, 2010 at Hua Hin Market Village.

To stimulate Thailand tourism and celebrate the upcoming year, Hua Hin Countdown 2010 is an inaugural event where guests can enjoy non-stop music and activities throughout the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/new-year-celebrations-hua-hin-countdown-2010/1780/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Health Ministry Issues Rabies Warning</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Paijit Warachit warns people that rabies can be contracted all year

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has issued a warning for people to be careful around stray dogs (and other animals) as there is currently no rabies medication available.
Doctor Paijit Warachit, permanent secretary for public health, said many people believed rabies was only [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-health-ministry-issues-rabies-warning/1775/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Royal Thai Navy Cleans Up, Rescues Cattle</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: When people think of their country’s navy they generally conjure up visions of ships, perhaps aircraft and in almost all instances, the defense role these people perform.
In Sattahip Province, the main operational base for the Royal Thai Navy, naval personnel form a large percentage of the community due to the home base [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/royal-thai-navy-cleans-up-rescues-cattle/1774/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Economy to Grow by 3.5% in 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand Travel News: Taking a bullish look at 2010, Thailand’s Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij is predicting the government&#8217;s economic packages will see the economy grow by at least 3.5 percent next year.
Dubbing 2010 &#8220;the year of execution of economic policies”, Mr Korn said trillions of baht will be injected into thousands of projects under the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-economy-to-grow-by-35-in-2010/1773/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Replaces Tsunami Detection Buoy</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	A diagram showing how the Dart II tsunami detection buoy works. Photo courtesy NOAA.

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Five years after the devastating 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake that generated a massive tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in eleven countries, Phuket is again protected from a recurrence after a new tsunami detection buoy was placed in the [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-replaces-tsunami-detection-buoy/1771/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Jumps the Shark &#8211; 2009 Inbound Tourism Figures Rebound</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: After facing a seemingly mammoth dent in its inbound foreign tourism numbers for 2009 following the closure of both Bangkok airports last year by anti-government protesters, Thailand appears to have jumped the shark with inbound tourism figures for 2009 finish strongly.
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is forecasting up to 140,000 people a [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-jumps-the-shark-2009-inbound-tourism-figures-rebound/1772/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai Tourism Minister Predicts 16 Million Tourists for 2010</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa has predicted the country will welcome 16 million tourists in 2010, saying the Thai economy was showing positive signs of improvement.
Mr Chumpol said he thought the country “has already passed the worst, including the airport closures in late 2008, the cancellation of the Asean Summit [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-tourism-minister-predicts-16-million-tourists-for-2010/1770/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>New Low-cost Norse Carrier Feel Air to Focus on Thailand</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	New low-cost Norse carrier Feel Air to focus on Thailand

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thai inbound tour operators should start brushing up on their Scandinavian languages in preparation for an influx of Swedes and Norwegians in the new year when Feel Airways, a new low-cost Norse carrier, commences operations.
Feel Air, based in Norway, claims its maiden routes, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/new-low-cost-norse-carrier-feel-air-to-focus-on-thailand/1765/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Swiss Golden Tulip Group to Take Over Mangosteen Resort &amp; Spa in Phuket</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Swiss hotel group Golden Tulip will take over The Mangosteen Resort &#38; Spa in Phuket starting February 1, 2010

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Swiss based hotel management group, Golden Tulip Hotels, will take over the management of The Mangosteen Resort &#38; Spa in Phuket commencing February 1 of next year.
Owned by Starwood Capital Group, the investment firm [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/swiss-golden-tulip-group-to-take-over-mangosteen-resort-spa-in-phuket/1763/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Declares War on Pirates</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Those planning on traveling to Thailand over the Christmas/New Year period and stocking up on counterfeit designer goods to sell back home to offset the cost of their holiday might well end up being very disappointed.
In preparation for the coming festive season the government has announced a major crackdown on counterfeit goods, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-declares-on-pirates/1764/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Christmas in Thailand &#8211; Sakon Nakhon&#8217;s Star of David Festival</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 24, 2009 to December 25, 2009. ] 

This Christmas in Thailand you may want to come join an unlikely, yet very traditional Christmas celebration. The Star of David Festival will be held in Tha Rae village, Sakon Nakhon during 24 and 25 December 2009.

Santa Claus is a busy man, he has to travel around the world to see who’s naughty or nice [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/northeast-thailand-isaan/christmas-in-thailand-sakon-nakhons-star-of-david-festival/1756/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Tune Hotels to Offer $3 Phuket Rooms</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Tune Hotels to bring low cost hotel rooms to Thailand

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Finding a cheap but good hotel room in Phuket is about as easy as finding an airline check-in clerk who ignores your 35kg suitcase when your baggage allowance is only 20kg. All that is about to change though with Malaysian hotel chain Tune [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/tune-hotels-to-offer-3-phuket-rooms/1750/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to Open in Bangkok</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Following hot on the heals of the opening in Pattaya last month of the Louis Tussaud&#8217;s House of Wax, Europe’s largest operator of amusement parks and tourist attractions has teemed up with Thai company Siam Piwat, managers of Siam Center &#038; Siam Discovery Center, to open a Madame Tussauds wax museum in [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/madame-tussauds-wax-museum-to-open-in-bangkok/1747/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai Airways Back from the Brink – Expects to Announce 2009 Profit</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: National flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) claims to have stemmed its financial hemorrhaging and to be on the road to making a financial recovery – possibly even turning a profit for the 2009 year which ends December 31.
THAI chairman Ampon Kittiampon, who took over the role in April this year and [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-airways-back-from-the-brink-%e2%80%93-expects-to-announce-2009-profit/1751/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Internet Users to Benefit from Asia-America Gateway Connection</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Thailand internet users to benefit from Asia-America Gateway connection

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Internet users throughout Thailand should soon see a dramatic decrease in the time needed to access websites located outside of the country after the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT Telecom) yesterday connected to the Asia-America Gateway (AAG).
The $US550 million optical fibre cable network runs [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-internet-users-to-benefit-from-asia-america-gateway-connection/1746/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai AirAsia Introduces Phuket to Udon Thani Direct Flight</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In a move expected to boost tourism between Thailand&#8217;s south and northeast, discount carrier Thai AirAsia has announced its intention to introduce direct flights from Phuket to Udon Thani.
The four times a week service will be operated by a 180-seat Airbus A320 commencing December 21, with the airline expecting it to attract [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-airasia-introduces-phuket-to-udon-thani-direct-flight/1745/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Phuket Tuk-tuks Target Islands Biggest Travel Operators</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: A row has erupted on the island province of Phuket between Karta-Karon tuk-tuk owners and two of the island’s biggest tourism operators.
Local tuk-tuk operators have blockaded the entrance to Centara Karon Resort Phuket in an attempt to force tourists traveling on package sightseeing deals to use them, instead of pre-paid transportation from [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/phuket-tuk-tuks-target-islands-biggest-travel-operators/1744/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Economy Continues to Grow</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Thailand Travel News: In signs that the Thailand economy is continuing to recover, the Thailand Excise Department announced that revenue collected last month had increased 81.84 per cent over the same period in 2008.
Excise Department director-general Areepong Bhoocha-oom said the department had collected Bt33.59 billion (about $US1 billion) last month, with the domestic car market [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-economy-continues-to-grow/1742/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Country to the Sea – Isaan (Esarn) Festival in Pattaya</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 18, 2009 to December 20, 2009. ] THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Isaan (Esarn, Issan) region in the northeast of Thailand is well known for the vast range of handicrafts produced by its inhabitants.

Residents and visitors of and to the seaside city of Pattaya will have the ability to gain a first-hand exposure to the talented artisans of Isaan (Esarn) when the city [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/country-to-the-sea-isaan-esarn-festival-in-pattaya/1738/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Two Airline Startups Apply to Fly &#8211; Nakhon Chiangmai Air and Legacy Air</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The international air travel market may be contracted at the moment but two Thai-owned companies have applied to commence new domestic airline operations next month.
Nakhon Chiangmai Air (NCA) and Legacy Air (LA) have applied for commercial air services licenses with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), though deputy director-general Wuthichai Singhamanee said [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/two-airline-startups-apply-to-fly-nakhon-chiangmai-air-and-legacy-air/1736/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Ska &amp; Reggae Concert &#8211; Pattaya Smiley Fest</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 19, 2009; ] As Jamaican reggae music has evolved to become one of the world's most popular music styles, today it has a massive following.  Not too surprisingly, this laid back rhythm style, bringing its messages of peace and freedom and love, enjoys a large following in the Land of Smiles. With its particular off-beat rhythm style [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/ska-and-reggae-concert-pattaya-smiley-fest/1739/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Baggage Theft, Illegal Taxis, Tour Guide Numbers Drop at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Increased security measures at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International airport have seen a dramatic drop in the number of thefts from passengers’ luggage, as well as the number of illegal taxis and unlicensed &#8220;tour guides&#8221; operating there.
A seminar held by airport authorities with ground services representative from Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airports [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/baggage-theft-illegal-taxis-tour-guide-numbers-drop-at-bangkok-suvarnabhumi-international-airport/1737/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai Airways Strikes Back Over 2008 Airport Closures</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors and residents who were inconvenienced by last years closure of both Bangkok airports might gain some satisfaction from a lawsuit filed in Bangkok last month by Thai Airways International (THAI).
The civil suit, details of which have only just been made public, was filed on the last day before it would have [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-airways-strikes-back-over-2008-airport-closures/1735/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Nova Gold Hotel Opens in Central Pattaya</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Nova Hotel Group has officially opened its 5-star Nova Gold Hotel in central Pattaya, just 10 minutes walk from Pattaya Beach.
Rather than just another high-rise hotel complex among the many others in Pattaya, the Nova Gold Hotel is a low-rise 77-room property, with each of its guest rooms featuring their own private [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/nova-gold-hotel-opens-in-central-pattaya/1732/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Phuket Retailers Put End to Free Plastic Bags</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors to Phuket should get used to carrying their own shopping bags with them next year after the majority of the island province’s major retailers agreed to stop providing free plastic bags to shoppers.
The agreement, drafted in an attempt to reduce the 500 tonnes (1,100lb) of garbage generated daily on the island, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/phuket-retailers-put-end-to-free-plastic-bags/1728/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Lifeguards Removed from Phuket Beaches</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors to Phuket during the coming high season are urged to exercise extreme caution in the water surrounding the island following the removal of all of Phuket’s lifeguards and rescue equipment.
The removal of rescue equipment and personnel follows the expiration of a contract between the island’s administrative body and a private company [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/lifeguards-removed-from-phuket-beaches/1729/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thai Tourism Authority Unveils 20 Great Deal Package Holidays</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: In an attempt to give a boost to Thailand’s flagging tourism industry the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled 20 destination package holidays.
The new packages cover all of Thailand with six focusing on the central region, four for the eastern seaboard, four for the north, three for the northeast, and three [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thai-tourism-authority-unveils-20-great-deal-package-holidays/1731/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Axed Trees Threaten to Halt West Sands Resort and Splash Jungle Opening</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The opening later this month of Phuket’s first water theme park, Splash Jungle, as well as a prestigious villa and condominium project controlled by British retailing giant Tesco chiefs Sir Terry Leahy and Paul Mercer, West Sands Resort, are in doubt after local residents blockaded a road leading to the project.
Scheduled to [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/axed-trees-threaten-to-halt-west-sands-resort-and-splash-jungle-opening/1730/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Enjoy Panoramic Andaman Sea Views at Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors to Phuket wanting a unique hotel experience should check out the recently completed Phase II expansion works at the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort.
The expansion works saw the addition of 120sq.m one bedroom rooftop suites, each with their own lap pool, delivering 360-degree panoramic views over the Andaman Sea.
Albert Chan, general manager [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/enjoy-panoramic-andaman-sea-views-at-outrigger-serenity-terraces-resort/1733/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Tourism Authority Introduces Live Hotline Support for Tourism Events</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Visitors, expatriates or Thais wanting information on tourism related events – or wanting to make a complaint – can now speak directly with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) over the internet.
For the past two months the TAT has been trialling an internet based &#8220;tourist hotline&#8221; call centre on its website (www.tourismthailand.org) [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-tourism-authority-introduces-live-hotline-support-for-tourism-events/1727/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Pattaya Abuzz for World Jet-ski Championships</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 4, 2009 to December 6, 2009. ] THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Competition in the worlds leading jet-ski tournament, the King's Cup-World Cup Grand Prix 2009 get’s underway at Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, today, December 4.

Leading jet-ski riders from more than 30 nations will participate in the event, with more than $US110,000 in prize money up for grabs in 16 different categories between now and [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/pattaya-abuzz-for-world-jet-ski-championships/1726/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Bestbuys 2009</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 4, 2009 to December 13, 2009. ] Thailand Bestbuys 2009 welcomes you to this winter season's festivities and the much anticipated exhibition of gifts, souvenirs, and brand name products.  This most recent show is scheduled from December 4 to 13, 2009 at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center.

Shop 'till you drop with a wide range of leading manufacturers and wide variety of [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/thailand-bestbuys-2009/1723/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>TAT Governor Says 9.8m Tourists Visited in First 9 Months of 2009</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The newly elected governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Surapol Svetasreni, said more than 9.8 million foreign tourists entered Thailand in the first nine months of 2009.
Mr. Surapol said based on these figures the TAT was revising down the number of foreign visitors expected this year from the previous forecast [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/tat-governor-says-98m-tourists-visited-in-first-9-months-of-2009/1722/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>5 Finalists of Ultimate Thailand Explorer Have been Announced</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Vote for Your Favorite Ultimate Thailand Explorers Finalists

The finalists for Ultimate Thailand Explorers have been announced. You can now begin to vote for the winner and also be registered to win one of two $2,500 US prize packages.
While the finalists are preparing for their trip to explore the top five destinations of Thailand, friends and [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/5-finalists-of-ultimate-thailand-explorer-have-been-announced/1713/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Get Ready for Chiang Mai Bike Week</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 5, 2009 to December 6, 2009. ] 

On December 5, Father’s Day, all of Thailand will celebrate His Majesty the King’s Birthday and many special events will held throughout the country. If you are a fan of big bikes, then you might want to travel to Chiang Mai for this celebratory time and take in the largest Big Bike Show in northern [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/get-ready-for-chiang-mai-bike-week/1714/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Accor Hotel Group Opens ibis Phuket Kata</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The Accor hotel group will open its second ibis branded hotel in Thailand, the ibis Phuket Kata, on December 1, just in time for the county’s high tourist season.
The ibis Phuket Kata is located just a few minutes walk away from Kata beach and features 258 guest rooms, each with its own [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/accor-hotel-group-opens-ibis-phuket-kata/1709/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>2009 Pattaya International Balloon Festival Lifts Off on December 10</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Expect to see lots of odd-shaped hot air balloons at the 2009 Pattaya International Balloon Festival

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: The 2009 Pattaya International Balloon Festival gets underway on December 10 with more than 40 competitors from Japan, Finland, the Netherlands, the UK and Thailand taking part.
The colourful four day event is one of the few &#8220;shaped&#8221; [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/2009-pattaya-international-balloon-festival-lifts-off-on-december-10/1708/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>AirAsia Plans Bourse Listing – More Flights from India to Thailand</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Low-cost regional carrier AirAsia has flagged its intentions to list on the both the Thailand and Malaysian stock exchanges, while also announcing increased flights from Thailand to India.
Kathleen Tan, regional head (commercial) of AirAsia, said the airline will commence flights from Calcutta to Bangkok and from Calcutta to Phuket next year, with [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/airasia-plans-bourse-listing-%e2%80%93-more-flights-from-india-to-thailand/1707/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Program of Events as Thais Prepare to Celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 82nd Birthday</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Thais prepare for the 82nd birthday of their revered king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, on December 5

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thais across the country are preparing to celebrate the 82nd birthday of their revered king, Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX), on December 5 and all visitors to the kingdom are Invited to join in.
Amongst the events planned are:
Between [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/program-of-events-as-thais-prepare-to-celebrate-king-bhumibol-adulyadej%e2%80%99s-82nd-birthday/1704/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 12, 2009 to December 21, 2009. ] Once the glorious capital of Thailand, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1991. To celebrate its status the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair has been held annually since.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-events-calendar/phra-nakhon-si-ayutthaya-world-heritage-fair/498/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Come Join the 10th Nimmanhaemin Art &amp; Design Promenade in Chiang Mai</title>
		<description><![CDATA[[ December 5, 2009 to December 9, 2009. ] 

Welcome to Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 1 in Chiang Mai.  This small, lively street becomes an extraordinary attraction each year during the Nimmanhaemin Art &#38; Design Promenade. Nimmanhaemin Soi 1 will be transformed into a walking street market filled with quality merchandise and local art; this vibrant event is to be enjoyed by anyone who [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/northern-thailand-information/come-join-the-10th-nimmanhaemin-art-design-promenade-in-chiang-mai/1700/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Yachties Prepare for 23rd Phuket King’s Cup Regatta</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	At 115ft (35m), super-yacht entrant Obsession II is the largest yacht to enter this years King’s Cup Regatta

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Yachties from around the globe are beginning to converge on Phuket for Asia’a biggest sailing event, the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.
Though traditionally held in the first week of December, this years event will commence [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/yachties-prepare-for-23rd-phuket-king%e2%80%99s-cup-regatta/1685/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Spas Acknowledged as Best in Region at 2009 AsiaSpa Awards</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Thailand’s reputation as the spa capital of Asia has been firmly cemented with the country gathering five awards in the 2009 AsiaSpa Awards.
Presented by AsiaSpa magazine, the regions most recognized spa and wellness publication, the AsiaSpa Awards ceremony in Hong Kong saw Thailand fight of competition from eight other country contenders to [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/thailand-spas-acknowledged-as-best-in-region-at-2009-asiaspa-awards/1684/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Thailand Sunflower Fields &#8211; Welcoming Winter at Lopburi</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Thailand Sunflower Fields at Lopburi

Lopburi, the central province of Thailand is a popular sightseeing destination during Thai winter time (cool season).  About 150 km north of Thailand, Lopburi is well known in Thailand for its thousands of acres of sunflower plantations. Each year, the fields full of the bright yellow blooming sunflowers attract people from [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-destinations/thailand-sunflower-fields-welcoming-winter-at-lopburi/1677/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>InterContinental Hotel Hua Hin Set to Open December 1</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: InterContinental Hotels Group will open it’s first Thailand property in the seaside town of Hua Hin, just 2.5 hours from Bangkok, on December 1 this year.
The InterContinental Hua Hin Resort features 119 rooms, including 10 deluxe rooms with direct swimming pool access, and a presidential suite which can be used as a [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/intercontinental-hotel-hua-hin-set-to-open-december-1/1675/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Bangkok Four Seasons Hotel Plans a Tasty Christmas in Thailand</title>
		<description><![CDATA[THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Christmas might still be a little over a month away but hoteliers and chefs across Thailand are working to ensure Christmas in Thailand is just as celebratory as in people’s home countries.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok has just detailed its plans for those in Bangkok for Christmas and from the promotional [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/bangkok-four-seasons-hotel-plans-a-tasty-christmas-in-thailand/1674/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Pacific Blue Commences Perth to Phuket Flights</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Pacific Blue have commenced direct flights from Perth, Western Australia to Phuket, Thailand. Photo_ D. O’Neil

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Pacific Blue Airlines, the New Zealand based subsidiary of Australian airline Virgin Blue, has commenced twice weekly flights from Perth to Phuket.
The flights, operated by one of the airlines nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, have already proved popular [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/pacific-blue-commences-perth-to-phuket-flights/1669/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>V Australia Discounts Tickets for Phuket to Brisbane and Melbourne Launch</title>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
	Didgeree Blue V Australiae28099s First Boeing 777 Aircraft

THAILAND TRAVEL NEWS: Full-service Australian airline V Australia tickets can now be purchased in Thailand through LTU Asia, with the airline slashing its fares for its launch flights from Phuket to Brisbane.
The airline will commence twice weekly direct flights from Phuket to Brisbane on November 22, and weekly [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.thailand-travelonline.com/thailand-travel-news/v-australia-discounts-tickets-for-phuket-to-brisbane-and-melbourne-launch/1668/</link>
			</item>
</channel>
</rss>
