Last month we invited university students from across Thailand to join our first ThailandTravelOnline.com Essay Contest with the goal to help foreign visitors learn more about Thailand and make an effort to boost sagging Thailand tourism through journalistic effort.

We were excited to receive registrations from about 65 students, though the actual eligible entries we received were a little disappointing.  As a result of the smallish response, we have 9 winners and received just 4 essays that were eligible for the Third Prize award.

The eligible responses we did receive were very high quality writing and we extend our thanks to all of our winners; we hope we will be able to work with you in the future. As freelance contributors to our websites we would like to offer you opportunity to make some money, practice your English writing, and improve your skills by working with our editorial team.

We have gone though all the essay entries and here are the winners of the 2008 ThailandTravelOnline.com Essay Contest:

Grand Prize Winning Entry
(5000 Baht)

“My Thailand… My Buddhism”
By Thamaporn Khampeerpat

Faculty of Arts (Business English), Assumption University

2nd Place Prize Winning Entries
(3000 Baht)

“From “Сайн байна уу” to “สวัสดีเจ้า”
The Multicultural Path of Kao Soi”
By Sukawadee Sangwansiri
Faculty of Humanities (English Major), Chiang Mai University

“Khao Yai: Spectacular National Park”
By Thanomsri Namuttha
Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Khon Kaen University

“The Tuk Tuk Trip”
By Nipaphon Sithakarn
Faculty of Public Administration, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

Winning Entry in Each Category
(1500 Baht)

“Doi Pha Tang – a Paradise of Chaotic Life”
By Orachorn Saechang
Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University

“Forget All Problems and Relax in Chiang Mai”
By Thanawuth Kittiwan
English Major, Payap Univerisity

“Life as a Gift of the Sea”
By Kamkaeo Maneerot
Faculty of Humanities (English Major), Chiang Mai University

“Two Different Charms at the Chiang Mai Walking Street”
By Komwich Wannavijit
Faculty of Humanities (English Major), Chiang Mai University

Publication Awards
(500 Baht)

“Thailand Destination – Tak”
By Ronnachai Chaipradermsak
Tourism Management, Naresuan University International College

All winning authors will be awarded prize money and a certificate. All winning essays will be published in the coming weeks on www.ThailandTravelOnline.com. Please stay tuned and register for our email notifications at the top left-side of our Home page.

Congratulations to all the winners!!!