Amazing Thailand Grand Sale – all over Thailand (01-15/09);
Kite Making Workshop – Sangdee Gallery, Chiang Mai (04/09, 10:00-11:30);
Phuket Amateur Golf Open – Blue Canyon Country Club (05/09, 12noon – 15:00);
River City Auction – River City Mall, Bangkok, (05/09, starts 11:00);
Make Noise, Not War! – Musical jam session at Nospace Gallery (04/09, 21:00);
World Gourmet Food Festival – Four Seasons, Bangkok (06-12/09, 12:00 until late);
Gems and Jewellery Fair – Impact Center, Bangkok (07-11/09, 10:00-18:00);
Full Moon Party – Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pha Ngan (18/09, starts after dark);
International Swan Boat Races – Chao Phraya River, Bangkok (18-20/09, all day);
Phuket Yacht Club Wet and Wild Race Day – Ao Yon Bay (19/09, 09:00-16:00);
Thailand Open Tennis – Impact Exhibition Center, Bangkok (25/09-03/10, all day);

September 01-15: Amazing Thailand Grand Sale
Where: All over Thailand
When: Various times
Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) has arranged with 5,000 partners including shops, department stores, hospitals, travel agents, hotels, airlines, golf courses, duty-free stores in Bangkok to offer a huge range of discounts from 10 to 80 per cent.

September 04:  Kite Making Workshop
Where: Sangdee Gallery, Sirimankhalajarn Road, Chiang Mai
When:  10:00-11:30
Suitable for children over six, this workshop will have little ones making and decorating their very own flying machines which they can then test outside. Admission costs 300baht.

September 04: Make Noise, Not War!
Where: Nospace Gallery, Bangkok
When: 21:00 – midnight
Make Noise, Not War! Takes place on the first Saturday of each month and dedicated to solo artists, bands and jam sessions which create free unusual performances for Bangkok’s young artist community at the Nospace Gallery.

September 05: Phuket-Times.Com Amateur Golf Open
Where: Blue Canyon Country Club
When: 12noon – 15:00
The third round of the tournament takes place at the Blue Canyon Country Club’s Lakes Course. Trophies will be awarded to the top three players in each flight with the top two places in each to join the 12 qualifiers from the previous rounds in the season-ending Master’s event to be held in May 2011.

September 05: River City Auction
Where: River City Mall, Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Bangkok,
When: starts 11:00
This monthly auction, held at the River City Shopping Complex Auction House, is a fantastic place to source genuine antiques or traditional Thai handicrafts. Lots may be viewed for five days beforehand between 11:00 and 17:00.

September 06-12: World Gourmet Wood Festival
Where: Four Seasons Hotel
When: From 12noon until late
Seven award-winning chefs from across the world will serve a seven-course Gala Dinner including Icelandic cuisine from Siggi Hall – such as herring with horseradish, cured salmon and a langoustine tail. Price fro hotel room and festival entry start at 13,000baht.

September 07-11: Gems and Jewellery Fair
Where:  Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Pakred
When: 10:00 – 18:00
See sparkling adornments at this year’s Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair in Bangkok’s Impact Exhibition and Convention Center. Open to the general public in search of top quality bargains and trade professionals searching for the latest lines.

September 18: Full Moon Party
Where: Haad Rin beach
When: starts after dark
Thailand’s famous full moon party kicks off after dark on the beach of Haad Rin on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan. Prepare to party hard as live music is hosted by a number of different beachside bars and DJs travel from all over the world to spin the latest tunes to party people.
September 18-20: International Swan Boat Races
When: all day
Where: Chao Phraya River
Over 20 international teams glide down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok during the International Swan Boat Races. The elaborately designed, narrow boats are a spectacular sight along the river with their bows shaped into mythical swan heads.

September 19: Phuket Yacht Club Wet and Wild Race Day
Where: Ao Yon Bay
When: 09:00-16:00
Come along to the Phuket Yacht Club for a fun day of swimming, food and good company. RSVP for catering if you intend to come along. If you are interested in racing Tasars or dinghies and would like to be placed on the mailing list, contact Andrew at 081-894 1530.

September 25 – October 3: Thailand Open Tennis
Where: Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Pakred
When: all day
Bangkok’s IMPACT Arena is the venue for the Thailand Open tennis tournament, part of the annual ATP Tour. More than 70 of the top male tennis stars from across the globe including world number one Rafael Nadal will be competing. The winner walks away with a cool US$608,500.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that the event will run between September 8 and 10 at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Convention Centre in Bangkok.

The annual event is designed to showcase Thailand’s and the Mekong region’s myriad tourist draws for travel companies.

The expo will be held in Impact’s Hall 9 and will feature 430 local travel related business representatives.

Thai tour operators, travel agents, hotels, resorts, health centres, spas, airlines, entertainment and theme parks, shops selling traditional local products and golf courses will all be represented.

So far, 350 potential travel product and service buyers have registered for the event. Foreign buyers are required to pay registration charges of US$200, while local companies are offered a discounted US$50 registration fee.

Of the interested parties, the biggest group is from India. Around 70 Indian buyers have been invited or have said they will attend.

TAT also plans to ask new customers from countries such as Brazil, Turkey and Kazakhstan to attend.

The Thailand Travel Mart Plus Expo gives smaller Thai related tourist businesses the opportunity of displaying their offerings to a large audience, without the need to travel to overseas travel trade shows.

Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT governor, said the expo was important as it would show the country was recovering from the recent political instability.

After the Expo has finished, TAT and selected tourist product providers will take buyers on tours of Thailand’s heritage and natural sites, as well as resorts and spas.

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale – all over Thailand (01-16/08);
Save the Turtles Event – Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium (01-04/08, all day);
River City Auction – River City Mall, Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Bangkok, (01/08, starts 11:00);
Thai Silk Festival – Impact Exhibition Center, Pakred (06-10/08, 10:00-20:00);
Make Noise, Not War! – Musical jam session at Nospace Gallery (07/08, starts 21:00);
Planet Football Trials – Siam Country Road (07-08/08, 10:00 – 16:00);
Queen of Thailand’s Birthday – Sanam Luang and all over Bangkok (12/08, all day);
Miss Thailand World 2010 – Grand Centara – 91 Rama 1 Road, (14/08, from 20:00);
Por Tor Festival – Chinese temples all over Phuket, (16/08, all day);
Full Moon Party – Haad Rin Beach (21/08, starts after dark)
Thailand Health & Wellness – Impact Exhibition Center (26-29/08, 10:00-21:00);

August 01-06: Amazing Thailand Grand Sale
Where: All over Bangkok
When: Various times
Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) has arranged with 5,000 partners including shops, department stores, hospitals, travel agents, hotels, airlines, golf courses, duty-free stores in Bangkok to offer a huge range of discounts from 10 to 80 per cent.

August 01-04: Save the Turtles
Where: Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, Huay Kaew Road,
When: all day
Help save the turtles by attending this awareness even at Chiang Mai Zoo with lots of different sea turtle species here to visit.

August 01: River City Auction
Where: River City Mall, Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Bangkok,
When: starts 11:00
This monthly auction, held at the River City Shopping Complex Auction House, is a fantastic place to source genuine antiques or traditional Thai handicrafts. Lots may be viewed for five days beforehand between 11:00 and 17:00.

August 06-10: Thai Silk Festival
Where:  Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Pakred, Bangkok
When: 10:00 – 20:00
Fashion experts and consumers admire the quality and ornate designs of infamous Thai silk clothing at the annual Thai Silk Exhibition at Bangkok’s Impact Centre. See the best designs from the acclaimed Queen Sirikit Institute for Sericulture design competition as well.

August 07: Make Noise, Not War!
Where: Nospace Gallery, Bangkok
When: 21:00 – midnight
Make Noise, Not War! Takes place on the first Saturday of each month and dedicated to solo artists, bands and jam sessions which create free unusual performances for Bangkok’s young artist community at the Nospace Gallery.

August 07-08: Planet Football Open Trials
When: 10:00 – 16:00
Where: Planet Football Grounds, Siam Country Road, Pattaya
Help with the Pattaya-wide search to find the best football players aged between 10 to 14 years for the academy team. Successful applicants will receive sic months FREE training twice a week plus kit provided. Email name, age and prefered playing position to info@pattayafootball.com

August 12: Queen of Thailand’s Birthday
Where: All over Thailand
When: all day
The Queen’s birthday also marks National Mother’s Day when alms-giving ceremonies take place at temples in the morning and a huge festival of music and culture takes place at Sanam Luang in Bangkok and nearby Ratchadamnoen Avenue is decorated with images of the Queen of Thailand.

August 14: Miss Thailand World 2010
Where: Grand Centara, 91 Rama 1 Road, Phathumwan, Bangkok
When: starts 20:00
Beautiful Thai ladies talk about world peace, their hopes for the future and wander around in swimwear at this year’s Miss Thailand World Competition in Bangkok.

August 16: Por Tor Festival
Where: Chinese Temples all over Phuket
When: All day
This Chinese festival is dedicated to ancestor worship and takes place in the seventh Chinese lunar month. The Chinese believe that spirits of the dead get released from the underworld and make food offerings to appease the hungry spirits and to pay their respects. Events take place in Phuket’s Chinese shrines at different times for a 15-day period.

August 21: Full Moon Party
Where: Haad Rin beach
When: starts after dark
Thailand’s famous full moon party kicks off after dark on the beach of Haad Rin on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan. Prepare to party hard as live music is hosted by a number of different beachside bars and DJs travel from all over the world to spin the latest tunes to party people.

August 26-29: Thailand Health & Wellness
Where: Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Pakred
When: 10.00 – 21.00
A women-only luxurious event, the Thailand Health & Wellness festival takes over Bangkok’s Impact Centre with beauty and health products plus methods to maintain mental and spiritual well-being. There will be popular women’s magazines, such Instyle, also represented.

Asian Food Festival – Impact Exhibition Center, Pakred (01-04/07, 10:00-18:00);
The Beat Lounge – Old Skool hip hop at Circle Bangkok (03/07, from 21:00);
World Cup Final – all over Thailand, (12/07, 01:30)
Phuket Amateur Open Golf – Loch Palm Golf Club (18/07, 07:00-12:30);
Pattaya Marathon – All over Pattaya (18/07, all day)
Phuket Yatch Race Week – Evason Phuket Resort (21-25/07);
Full Moon Party – Haad Rin Beach (24/07, starts after dark)
Khao Phansa – Buddhist candles festival (26/07, all day)

July 01-04: World of Food Asia Festival
Where:  Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Pakred
When: 10:00 – 18:00
Food importers, grocery stores and restauranteurs from all over the world come to Bangkok to display the wares, make great contacts and share in the magic of Asian cuisine. Not an event to be missed by gourmands in Thailand.

July 03: The Beat Lounge
Where: Circle Bangkok
When: starts 21:00
Old Skool diehards are happy to cough up 300baht to hear the turntable scratching at The Beat Lounge each month. Commercial music takes a break with different DJs taking over with funky breaks.

July 12: World Cup Final
Where: all over Thailand
When: 01:30
Watch all the action from South Africa as the final two teams battle it out to see who will be crowned the world’s best footballing nation in 2010

July 18: Pattaya Marathon
Where: All over Pattaya
When: all day
Each July, competitors from a number of countries compete in three races including a full marathon of 28 miles, a half marathon and a quarter marathon. Pattaya is said to be one of the Kingdom’s toughest marathon courses with many hills and steep inclines so come along to cheer on those brave runners.

July 18: Phuket Amateur Open Golf
Where:  Loch Palm, Tel: 08 2280 3486
When: 07.00 – 12:30
Come to compete our merely to spectate at this year’s hotly contested Phuket Amateur Golf Open. After a thrilling Masters Tournament at the Laguna last month, the best golfers on the island will be battling it out once again.

July 21-25: Phuket Yatch Race Week
Where: Evason Phuket Resort, Phuket
When: various times
A full week of international-standard yacht racing for a wide range of yachts — from the highly competitive top racers all the way to liveaboard cruisers and charter boats.

July 24: Full Moon Party
Where: Haad Rin beach
When: starts after dark
Thailand’s famous full moon party kicks off after dark on the beach of Haad Rin on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan. Prepare to party hard as live music is hosted by a number of different beachside bars and DJs travel from all over the world to spin the latest tunes to party people.

July 26: Khao Phansa
Where: all over Thailand
When: all day
This festival marks the start of Buddhist Lent and is also known as the Candle Festival. Lay people visit ancient temples and present ornate candles to monks.

Last Thursday at Pathumwan Municipal Court, Briton, Jeff Savage, 48, and a 30-year-old Australian citizen, Conor David Purcell, were indicted on rabble-rousing charges.

The accusations stem from the recent anti-government protests in Bangkok. Both men are accused of violating the government issued emergency decree during the protests. If convicted they could serve two years in prison.

During the two month long protests, the men are alleged to have provoked violence or arson in support of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). The UDD, usually referred to as the red-shirts, have staged several anti-government demonstrations.

Mr Savage will appear in court again on July 28, while Purcell’s next hearing is in late August. Witnesses, including core Red-Shirt leader Dr Weng Tohjirakarn, are expected to attend. The men have been held at Bangkok Remand Centre since their arrests last month.

The two denied all charges. Purcell, who made inflammatory speeches on the Red-Shirts’ main stage, told reporters that he was sure he would beat the charges.

A video clip posted on YouTube supposedly shows Mr Savage saying that he and unnamed others were going to loot and burn CentralWorld, Bangkok’s biggest shopping centre, before it happened.

Mr Savage says that he did not go to CentralWorld, but was at Channel 3’s TV station when that was set alight. Mr Savage denies participating in the actual arson.

The two men appeared in court wearing prison garb. Savage, who comes from Kent, is said to have told reporters that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was a murderer.

In his regular Sunday address to the nation, aired yesterday, the Prime Minister said that there would be no government reconciliation with terrorists or the main leaders of the recent anti-government protests in Bangkok.

Two Pheu Thai Party MPs and core protest leaders, Karun Hosakul and Jatuporn Promphan have already been bailed. The two were charged with instigating terrorism. They were bailed on Tuesday after depositing one million Baht each.

The Prime Minister added that demonstrators who took part in a peaceful manner, and were not armed, would not be pursued. These protestors may be pardoned so as to avoid renewed conflicts.

Last Thursday the Thai government started the peace and national healing process by holding a merit making ceremony. This was held at Government House. Clerics from five religions chanted and performed rites at the ceremony for peace and luck.

The latest round of anti-government protests began in Bangkok in March and ended with an army crackdown on May 19. The protests left 88 dead and 1,885 injured.

Yesterday’s statement and Thursday’s merit making ceremony follow the Prime Minister’s May 3 proposal of a national reconciliation road map. This plan encouraged all sides in the dispute to work together for equality and justice, and not bring the country’s monarchy into politics.

The National Security Council and other law enforcement departments are meeting today to discuss what action to take against people who contravened the emergency decree.

Samui Regatta – sailing competition held at Chaweng Beach (01/06 – 05/06, all day)
Mercedes-Benz Masters – Laguna Phuket Golf Club  (02-05/06, 07:00 – 19:00);
Phuket Film Festival – Coliseaum Paradise Multiplex (04-13/06, 11:00–23:30);
Phuket Amateur Open Golf – Laguna Golf Club (09/06, 07.00–00.30);
Yacht Club Race and Fun Day – Ao Yon Bay (12/06, 10:30-16:00);
Asia International Guitar Festival – Siam City Hotel, Bangkok (17-20/06, all day);
Roger Sanchez Live in Bangkok – Moonstar Studio (12/06, starts 14:00);
Free Jazz Festival – Hua Hin Beach, 220kms from Bangkok (18-20/06, all day);
Chiangmai Garden Fair – The Pub, Huay Kaew Road (20/06, 10:00–16:30)
Full Moon Party – Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan  (26/06, starts after dark)

June 01-05: Samui Regatta
Where: Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
When: all day
The Koh Samui Regatta features cocktail parties, yacht racing and beachside fun on the gorgeous gulf island’s Chaweng Beach. With more than 300 international participants, this year’s regatta promises plenty of entertainment and some serious live action.

June 02-05: Mercedes-Benz Masters Thailand
Where: Laguna Phuket Golf Club 
When: 07.00 – 19.00
Watch Southeast Asia’s best young golfers up close as they compete at the Mercedes-Benz Masters Thailand at the prestigious Laguna Phuket. It promises to be a fun day out for all the family with games, food, drink and prizes. Call +66 (0)81-306 2266 or email: manachai@tropicofcancer.info for more information.
 
June 04-13: Phuket Film Festival
Where: Coliseaum Paradise Multiplex, Phuket Town
When: 11:00 – 23:30
The second Phuket Film Festival takes place this month with a range of films, speeches, talks and workshops aimed at helping raise the visibility of Phuket as a high quality tourist destination  during these difficult times. Call +66 (0)2-982 4525 or email info@phuketfilmfestival.asia for more information.

June 09: Phuket Amateur Open Golf
Where: Laguna Golf Club
When: 07.00 – 00.30
Phuket’s best amateur golfers battle it out over five courses to be crowned champion. There are a total of 144 places available with entry forms available at all the island’s courses and driving ranges. Contact (0)82 280 3486 or phuketamateurgolfopen@gmail.com for more information.

June 12: Roger Sanchez Live in Bangkok
Where: Moonstar Studio, Ladprao 80 (Soi Chantima) Wangthonglarng, Bangkok
When: starts 14:00
House music giant Roger Sanchez will be spinning the wheels of dance as legendry London label Ministry of Sound comes to Bangkok with MTV. Promises to be a truly awesome event.

June 12: Phuket Yacht Club Monsoon Race and Fun Day
Where: Ao Yon Bay
When: 10:30 – 16:00
Get involved with a fun day of swimming, sailing, cold beers and a beach BBQ. Come to join in  the morning races, to learn how to sail or perhaps just to relax and enjoy the food and good company. All are welcome so come and meet new friends. Contact +66 (0)86 120 0752 or email: phuketyachtclub@gmail.com for more information.

June 17-20: Asia International Guitar Festival
Where: Siam City Hotel, 477 Sri Ayuthaya Road, Bangkok, Tel: +66 (0) 2 247 0123
When: all day
Cost: Bt600 baht, students 400 baht
Guitarists from Japan, Thailand, Korea, Costa Rica and beyond will be taking over the stage at this year’s Asia International Guitar Festival held at Siam City Hotel. Visitors can learn new strumming skills in the morning, watch competitions and then attend concerts in the evening.

June 18-20: Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Where: Hua Hin Beach
When: 15:30 – midnight
Annual event held  in Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is totally free to attend. Only 220kms from Bangkok, it’s easy to reach by taxi, car or bus and offers a variety of accommodation options plus jazz greats from across the globe.

June 20: Chiangmai Garden Fair
Where: The Pub, Huay Kaew Road
When: 10:00 – 16:30
A fabulous day out in the sun with great stalls and plenty for adults and children to do. Stalls selling art, plants, crafts, toys, household good, old hand bags, books. Stalls cost 150baht or just come to wander around and relax in the sun. Call 053-211550 for more information. 

June 26: Full Moon Party
Where: Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan
When: starts after dark
Thailand’s famous full moon party kicks off after dark on the beach of Haad Rin on the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan. Prepare to party hard as live music is hosted by a number of different beachside bars and DJs travel from all over the world to spin the latest tunes to party people.

The government meets today to put final touches to a ‘reconciliation roadmap’ which will cement a date for the dissolution of parliament.

This is the last demand before the red shirt leadership will agree to disband their Bangkok blockade and send supporters home, mainly to the rural northeast region.

Demonstrators from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) agreed with embattled PM Abhisit Vejjajiva’s proposal to hold elections on November 14, but remain suspicious and want this date confirmed.

Twenty-seven people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured in the protracted conflict which has gripped the capital since mid-March.

The UDD have been camped in the prosperous commercial centre of Ratchaprasong Square since April 3.

Many hotels and the capital’s biggest shopping malls such as Paragon, Central World and Siam Discovery remain shut and thousands of ordinary people are unable to work.

Protesters stormed Chulalongkorn Hospital last week after false rumours circulated that security forces were planning an offensive from the building, meaning many seriously ill patients had to be transferred.

The conflict has had a dire effect on the Thai tourism industry with thousands of holidays to the Kingdom cancelled and many of the region’s hotels empty.

The UDD had demanded PM Abhisit Vejjajiva call snap elections to allow fugitive politician Thaksin Shinawatra to return to power, but now seem satisfied with the November date.

Thaksin-supporting red shirts want a ballot before the current leader of the Thai military steps down to ensure a sympathetic figure is installed in his place.

The former Manchester City FC chairman has been on the run since he was ousted in a military coup and faces corruption charges should he return to Thailand.

Click here for the latest security advice.

Thai Airways is considering flying direct to popular Thai destinations outside Bangkok to boost falling passenger numbers.

During the last fortnight up to one-fifth of all tickets have been cancelled due to escalating political unrest as foreign governments strongly advise against travel to the Kingdom.

It has been reported that the flagship airline is seriously considering reducing Bangkok services and increasing direct international flights to major tourist hubs such as Phuket, Krabi and Samui.

Fare discounts are also being discussed as are plans to allow existing ticket holders to switch to other destinations within the firm’s remit with only minimal costs incurred.

It is hoped that such action will minimise further cancellations and allow the company to maintain its place in the global marketplace.

Many in the Phuket hospitality industry were extremely critical of Thai Airways sudden price hike on its Bangkok to Phuket route, seeing it as a ‘kamikaze’ act.

Similarly the Chiangmai to Phuket service was increased by a whopping 64 per cent to the dismay of hoteliers and tour operators..

A total of 47 nations have advised only essential travel to Thailand should be attempted while 10 others warn citizens against visiting Thailand at all.

Click here for the latest security advice.

Activists from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) are camped out at the Ratchaprasong intersection of the Silom district of Bangkok.

But a new ‘multi-colour’ protest has come out on the streets aiming to bring the ongoing political unrest to a halt.

Many average people are angry at the way the red shirts have paralysed the capital, with the closure of five department stores, 13 hotels, 30 bank branches and 63,000 people unable to work.

But red shirt leaders said they would resist a blockade of the site and took increased security at checkpoints entering the area as a sign of a possible government assault.

They have continues to strengthen make-shift barricades constructed of tyres and sharpened bamboo poles.

Red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan said: “Starting tonight, we will break through with our bare hands every checkpoint which prevents people from joining the rally.”

“More checkpoints mean the government is preparing to disperse us. We will not stand still and be trapped.”

Air force commander Itthiporn Supawong told reporters that the multi-coloured shirt movement spoke for the majority of Thais and that the stand-off would be resolved soon.

He said: “More people are coming out to voice their opinions. The country does not belong to any particular colour. It belongs to all colours.”

The UDD have demanded PM Abhisit Vejjajiva call snap elections to allow fugitive politician Thaksin Shinawatra to return to power.

The former Manchester City FC chairman has been on the run since he was ousted in a military coup and faces corruption charges should he return to Thailand.

Meanwhile, two branches of Bangkok Bank in Chiang Mai were attacked with explosives in separate incidents but no casualties were reported in either.

A M26 grenade was launched at San Kamphaeng district branch but caused minor damage to a mobile phone shop next door. The safely lever of the device was found in a gutter.

Police believe two attackers targetted the store from a motorbike after realising that the bank was equipped with CCTV cameras.
 
A bottle bomb was thrown over a wall by the side of Chom Thong district branch at around 03:00 yesterday but caused no damage to property. Police said the device was formed from petrol, gunpowder and fertiliser-based explosives.