Enter the world of woodcuts | Bangkok Post: Arts & Culture

 "Inspired by the natural beauty of forest and mountainous landscapes of his birthplace in Chiang Mai, Chaiya creates flora fantasies and impressive scenes with a gentle yet striking combination of overlapping layers of colour patterns. Chaiya got involved with woodcutting in high school and pursued his love until he graduated from the Faculty of Arts at the Rajamangala Institute of Technology, Chiang Mai, in 2005."

ED: Woodcut Printmaking: 2000-2012 is on display at Galerie Panisa until Dec 29. The opening reception is today at 6pm. The gallery is located on Mahidol Road, near Chiang Mai International Airportand isopen Mon-Sat from 9am-6pm. Call 053-202-779.

Thailand suffered Biggest Losses From Weather in 2011 - Environment - Thailand Business News

Thailand suffered the most economic damage from extreme weather events in 2011, the Berlin-based research group Germanwatch said.

Thailand and the U.S. both endured about $75 billion of damage from storms, floods, landslides and wildfires in 2011, the group said in a report today released in Doha, where two weeks of United Nations climate talks began yesterday. China’s damages totalled almost $13 billion. Pakistan was fourth in the ranking with $5.8 billion and Brazil fifth with $4.7 billion."
ED: Chiang Mai was mostly spared from these floods triggering a Business and Residential move from Bangkok to the northern city...

Chiang Mai airport seeks scheduled release of festive lanterns - Pattaya Mail - Pattaya News, Communities, Opinions and much more...

: "CHIANG MAI, Nov 23 – Chiang Mai Airport requested the public to release their traditional festive airborne lanterns at fixed hours to avoid negatively impacting aviation.

Woradej Harnprasert, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Department and Chiang Mai Airport management told a news conference at Chiang Mai Air Traffic Control Centre, asking for the public cooperation in launching the paper flame-bearing lanterns at requested hours during the Loy Krathong festival from November 27-29." ED: Glad I was sitting down when I read this....

BRICS: The World’s New Banker?

"The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bloc has begun planning its own development bank and a new bailout fund which would be created by pooling together an estimated $240 billion in foreign exchange reserves"
ED: Pity the "S" isn't SEA, but the significance of this development cannot be misunderstood, as the world power pivot continues to change..

Chiang Mai events to grow : TTR Weekly

"The ministry deputy permanent secretary, Saksan Nakwong, said the convention centre could accelerate the current growth rate of 7% for business-related events to around 10% to 15% annually"

Thailand: Loy Krathong - Travel - MiamiHerald.com

"This month’s Loy Krathong celebration promises to be big. How big? Big enough that Thai Airways is adjusting its schedule and suspending some flights on its Bangkok-Chiang Mai and Bangkok-Chiang Rai routes Nov. 27-29"

Toyota Thailand to raise output up to 1Mn - Corporate - Thailand Business News

: "Toyota Motor Co. said it will sharply increase its vehicle production in Thailand, which will become the company’s core global output base, according to a report Friday by Japanese national broadcaster NHK.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said Thursday his company will increase its annual output capacity in Thailand to 1 million units, about 50% more than the current level of 670,000 units per year"

Chiang Mai’s tourism assets go to new bureau : TTR Weekly

"CHIANG MAI, 7 November 2012: The Cabinet approved, 2 November, a public organisation named Ping Nakhon Development Bureau, to take care of three key tourism projects in the province — Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek and Chiang Mai Night Safari."

Bureau set up to manage Chiang Mai sites | Bangkok Post: business

"CHIANG MAI : The Tourism and Sports Ministry will hand over management of the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Chiang Mai Night Safari to the newly founded Pingnakorn Development Bureau next year."

Convention hall readies for tests : TTR Weekly

 "CHIANG MAI, 24 September 2012: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau expects the city’s new convention centre, due soft open  this October, will boost the events business in North Thailand by 10% to 15%.
On average, the city’s events industry grows 7% annually.
TCEB board member and acting president, Thongchai Sridama, said construction at Chiang Mai Convention Centre has been completed and the centre will be opened for a trial period beginning next month.
“TCEB will test the centre with a MICE summit in late November to check the convention readiness.”"

Chiang Mai eyes green tourism image : TTR Weekly

Chiang Mai eyes green tourism image : TTR Weekly:

 "CHIANG MAI 11 October 2012: Named as the “Most Splendid City of Culture” by the Cabinet, 3 May, Chiang Mai at the grand age of 716 intends to  fine tune its image to embrace ecotourism."

Long-stay needs longer visa : TTR Weekly

Long-stay needs longer visa : TTR Weekly: "CHIANG MAI, 27 August 2012: The government should extend the non-immigrant visa from one year to three years to support the long-stay tourism market, Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Hotels Association Northern Chapter told TTR Weekly last week."

'via Blog this'

Found in cave, this skull proves Man penetrated Asia 60,000 years ago

 "The oldest human skull to be found in Asia, estimated at around 63,000 years old, was found in a cave in the Annamite Mountains in northern Laos in 2009 and it pushes back the clock on when ancient wanderers from Africa left the coast and moved inland

The location of the find shows that early modern humans didn't just go along the coast to the islands of Southeast Asia and on to Australia as other boffins have suggested, but also moved north into different terrain.

"This fossil find indicates that the migration out of Africa and into east and Southeast Asia occurred at a relatively rapid rate, and that, once there, modern humans weren't limited to environments that they had previously experienced," she said. "We now have the fossil evidence to prove that they were there long before we thought they were there."

On top of that, the ancient skull shows that modern humans were in that part of the world at least 60,000 years ago."

Chiang Mai's Chinese invasion

Chiang Mai's Chinese invasion - GoKunming: Kunming & Yunnan living, business, travel

Chiang Mai, called Qingmai (清迈) in Chinese, is less than a two-hour flight from Kunming. Until recently even the occasional Chinese tourist group was uncommon, but this year has been different.

"They've been coming in droves," one local café owner told me. "We've seen more Chinese tourists in Chiang Mai so far this year than we have over the past ten years combined."

read article

Thailand: first they stole the Silver 
now the Great Gold Robbery of 2012

In 1893 a French warship sailed up the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok (Krung Thep) and stole the entire contents of the country's silver treasury.
In 2012, another team of marauders with a Frenchman on board and 5 others "sailed" up the Thames and stole Thailand's Gold.

After watching repeatedly the replay in slo-mo.
Through the eyes of a former amateur boxer who loves his sport.
The bout begins with an overload of gushing, pro Zhao diatribe from the commentators.
Reminder; this is London old boys, NOT Las Vegas.

This photo is of Kaew's mum and dad 

 from the Bangkok Post

Round 1
Kaew clearly won on points, 3-4-5 clean body punches landed everytime in the clinches (sensational work, beautiful to see) and slipped almost everything Zhou threw, 3 clear knockdowns and copped 2 fouls by Zhao; one push and one for holding, Ref gave warnings - did nothing - the commentators continued to add their over-the-top Zhou "fanboy" factor.

Round 2
 More fouls by Zhou, still not penalised, some (not many) of Zhaos' wild swings found a target still, another clear round to Kaew.

3rd all Kaew!
Great solid rights to the head, Zhou's punches continued to be wild "barnyard door" swings, and were mostly slipped by Kaew to become a glancing (non-scoring) blow.
5 more fouls by Zhou, FINALLY, one 2 point penalty awarded, then, inexplicably, the complimentary foul given against Kaew which was 100% phoney, match finished with 1 more genuine knock-down by Kaew.

Even  the predisposed, fanboy commentators switched allegiance in the end.

OUTRAGEOUS!

Kaew's Cuban trainer was overcome with indignation at the unbelievable decision from the judges, and the despicable behaviour of the referee.
N.B. commentator, he was NOT unsporting in angrily flagging the Chinese away.

Sportsmanship is ONLY deserved by those who display a like quality.  Zhao could see, or  worse, knew in advance, his fouls were not going to be prosecuted by the referee, and therefore behaved in a thoroughly unsportsmanlike manner - he did not deserve any respect in return.

He sure as hell did not deserve the GOLD

Want to see some true sportsmanship? This is how Kaew handled this travesty;

"I am very sorry that I could not win a gold medal," Kaew said. "I wanted to win it for the King and the Queen and for all the Thai people and I am very disappointed that I failed to do it."

Powerful Woman Turns 'Speck of Gold' into Haven for Animals | Care2 Causes

Powerful Woman Turns 'Speck of Gold' into Haven for Animals | Care2 Causes:

 "Our sanctuary, Love Animal House, is known by the locals as “the house that loves animals.” We never had a sign up, but people and animals always found us. You could call it jungle traffic.

“Yes, that’s them, down the road there,” people say. “You can’t miss it. The only house around with a foreigner, a bear and a pig in it!  You’ll hear the dogs barking.”"

ED: So many farang run charities are not what they seem, but this looks different - perhaps a working bee would be the best way to help in the short term? I for one would volunteer a day with tools and materials - any other takers?

Chumpol surprise on F1 bid : TTR Weekly

Chumpol surprise on F1 bid : TTR Weekly:

 "The tourism minister said Chiang Mai had a better chance of hosting the first F1 event in Thailand as it was more convenient than trying to build a temporary course in the capital.
He reiterated it was all in the study phase and no decision had been made by the Formula 1 brand owners.
“It is in the feasibility phase and we have noted that a F1 event at the Royal Agricultural Research Centre site would benefit … Chiang Mai.”
Mr Chumpol added: “Organising the F1 race in Chiang Mai would reduce noise pollution and there is more space for spectators than would be possible around Bangkok’s Rajdamnoen Avenue.”
If the site could host the event, the Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organisation) would need to study the proposal and see if it was possible to adjust the landscape to fit a car race, he said."

ED: and with Thailand's love of the motorcycle, perhaps the course could be planned to also accommodate MotoGP or SuperBikes - as well as catering for other Motorsport events Drifting, Karting, Drag Racing, Concourse de Elegance, Speed Week, Motocross .......

Phuket's 2.6b Baht Convention Centre 'Going to Chiang Mai Instead' - Phuket Wan

Phuket's 2.6b Baht Convention Centre 'Going to Chiang Mai Instead' - Phuket Wan:

"it's difficult for the government to justify building the centre on Phuket,'' Khun Bhuritt told Phuketwan. ''They need the centre to earn two or three billion baht within three years of opening.

''Phuket International Airport is already bursting at the seams. It is simply not possible to increase the flow of tourists to Phuket any faster. Chiang Mai is the logical alternative, economically and politically.''"

Thailand eyes 2014 grand prix debut | News | Motorsport.com

Thailand eyes 2014 grand prix debut | News | Motorsport.com:

 "Our discussions with Bernie Ecclestone have gone smoothly. We expect to get rights to host a grand prix from 2014 onwards," Kanokphand Chulakasem, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, is quoted by the Phuket News.

Chiang Mai eyed for F1 track | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Chiang Mai eyed for F1 track | Bangkok Post: breakingnews:

Mark Webber of Australia showing due reverence, describes the workings of  his Red Bull F1 car on a rare public outing for HM Buhimidol Adulyadej

Chiang Mai is ideally well appointed with hotels, resorts, international airport and road infrastructure to construct a world class F1 track on undulating ground near the Royal Floral Festival site, Ratchapruek

"Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa will propose the construction of a Formula One race-track on land close to the site used for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 in Chiang Mai.

Mr Chumpol on Thursday said his ministry would conduct a feasibility study on building an F1 circuit near the Royal Park Ratchapruek in tambon Mae Hia of Muang district, which is used to host the annual international horticulture exhibition, in the hope of bringing one of the world’s most popular and lucrative sporting events to Thailand. "
ED: The F1 issue is certainly quite realistic, for sure Melbourne will bow out and F1 Chief Ecclestone has been "warming up" Thailand to the idea with a street demonstration of his F1 car by Mark Webber, AND Red Bull is a Thai original - ALSO isn't it about time something of this stature DIDN'T go to Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket!


Chiang Mai has all it takes for infrastructure and economical reasons .....

Thailand MICE sector to benefit from AEC in 2015 - Business - Thailand Business News

Thailand MICE sector to benefit from AEC in 2015 - Business - Thailand Business News:

 "TMIF 2012 also offered business matching sessions for MICE operators in Thailand and foreign buyers attending the forum. They included executives from India, Russia, Australia, Singapore, the United States and a number of European countries.

The MICE industry is one of the fastest growing segments within the tourism industry generating millions in revenues for cities and countries. It is the most important component of Thailand’s visitor mix because of the high-spending visitors it generates.

According to TICA President Mr. Sumate Sudasna, MICE arrivals to Thailand totalled 820,224 in 2011 while domestic MICE visitors totalled 1.9 million arrivals. Both are expected to increase significantly this year, when the Tourism Authority of Thailand is projecting a 10% increase in overall arrivals."

Thai Bank CEO Sees Competition Spurring Mergers: Southeast Asia - Businessweek

Thai Bank CEO Sees Competition Spurring Mergers: Southeast Asia - Businessweek:

 "Thailand’s banking industry may shrink to as few as five lenders from 14 as competition and cost-cutting fuels consolidation, said Boontuck Wungcharoen, chief executive officer of TMB Bank Pcl. (TMB)

“Thailand has too many banks for the size of the market,” Boontuck, 55, said in a June 22 interview in his office in Bangkok. “The country should probably have five or six strong banks, so I think you will see consolidation over the next five years"

Chiang Mai residents in push for provincial decentralisation | Bangkok Post: news

Chiang Mai residents in push for provincial decentralisation | Bangkok Post: news: "A group of Chiang Mai residents is pushing for decentralisation of the province, which they believe will help solve the country's political paralysis.

Sawing Oudtan, a member of the Decentralise Chiang Mai movement, yesterday said the idea is not a new one and that another 46 provinces around the country are following in the footsteps of Chiang Mai in stepping up efforts to seize control of their own affairs.

"We drafted the Chiang Mai city bill two years ago," he said.

"We will finalise the draft by August and submit it to parliament," he said.

The Chiang Mai decentralisation working group consists of the Peaceful Homeland Network, NGOs, academics, local administrative bodies as well as business groups."

TCEB asked for B32m to fund special theme events | Bangkok Post: business

TCEB asked for B32m to fund special theme events | Bangkok Post: business:

 "The Tourism Department will use a combined budget from itself and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to organise several events through August.

The department will kick in 15 million baht to organise "Miracle Thailand, Thailand Impression" at the Bangkok Convention Center "

TCEB outlines six priorities : TTR Weekly

TCEB outlines six priorities : TTR Weekly:

"TCEB also plans to spend Bt80 million on promoting Chiang Mai a MICE city (2013 to 2015) mainly to build brand for “Chiang Mai Creative MICE City” after the opening of the city’s new convention centre.
“TCEB will encourage MICE organisers to select Chiang Mai to host events once the centre is fully operating,” he said."

ED: This initial injection of funds will ensure the new Chiang Mai Convention Centre will bring regional and world focus on the fantastic  international business prospects of the northern Second City for Tourism AND Manufacturing

International Cricket Council - News

International Cricket Council - News:

"Not content with two turf grounds in Chiang Mai, the Cricket Association of Thailand has found a site for a new facility. It will be at the Royal Chiang Mai Golf Resort to the north of Chiang Mai, about five kilometres away from the Traidhos Oval (formerly Prem Oval) in Maerim. "It's a fabulous opportunity for Thailand to accelerate their development," says ACC Chief Executive Syed Ashraful Huq.

A Low-Cost Retirement Spot in Asia - On Retirement (usnews.com)

A Low-Cost Retirement Spot in Asia - On Retirement (usnews.com):

 "The Thai city of Chiang Mai has long lured expats from the West. As many as 40,000 foreigners currently call Chiang Mai home, at least part of the year. The primary draw is the cost of living and medical care. Both are a global bargain. In addition, Chiang Mai boasts a more temperate climate than much of the rest of this country, as well as modern infrastructure and an abundance of Western amenities."