Flood Watch

Heavy seasonal rains and a combination of factors such as the run-off from the North, the rise in water level in the major rivers and rivers overflowing their banks, and the release of water from upstream dams to prevent overflow has resulted in extensive flooding in many parts of the country. Although the situation has eased over the past few days, many parts of the following provinces remain under floodwaters. Northern Thailand Nakhon Sawan, Petchabun and Phichit Northeastern Thailand Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima* and Si Sa Ket *Update for Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) Province The situation in the districts of Pak Chong and Wang Nam Keow has returned to normal since 25 October. Hotels and resorts, restaurants, and other tourism related businesses in the area are operating normally and are ready to welcome visitors/tourists. The following popular tourist attractions are also operating as normal. Key attractions in Pak Chong district such as Khao Yai National Park, the Palio Khao Yai shopping centre, Thong Somboon Club, Chokchai Farm and Life Park at the Greenery Resort Attractions in Wang Nam Keow district such as Uncle Krai’s organic farm (known to the locals as Suan Lung Krai), tours to various mushroom farms, Pha Keb Tawan cliff — a scenic vantage point in Thap Lan National Park, and Khao Pang Ma hill The Dan Kwian Pottery Village in Chokchai District Attractions in the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial centre such as tours to the statue of local heroine Thao Suranaree and Wat Payap temple, and shopping for local souvenirs The following sites have been affected by flooding and remain closed to visitors — Phimai National Museum, Phimai Historical Park, the Sai Ngam banyan tree groves, and Ban Prasat Archaeological Site. Central Thailand Ang Thong, Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya), Chachoengsao, Chainat, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Petchaburi, Prachin Buri, Saraburi, Sa Kaeo and Sing Buri The following attractions on the island city of Ayutthaya have not been affected by the recent flooding and remain open to visitors. Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phananchoeng, Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Lokayusutharam, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Chankasem National Museum, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Koh Kerd Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre and Lad Chado Market Eastern Thailand Rayong and Trat Southern Thailand Samui island, Songkhla (Hat Yai district), Phattalung FLIGHTS TO PHUKET AND KRABI ARE STILL OPERATING NORMALLY There is heavy rainfall in Phuket and Krabi but no flooding. Scheduled flights to both destinations are still operating normally. All other provinces around Thailand remain unaffected. Visitors/travellers are advised to contact the hotel or resort where accommodation has been booked to enquire about the latest situation prior to travel.

Useful Contact Numbers
TAT Call Centre Operating hours: 8.00-21.00 hrs	1672
Bangkok Airways Call Centre Web site: www.bangkokair.com	1771 +66 (0) 2270 6699
Thai Airways International (THAI) Contact Centre Web site: www.thaiairways.co.th/index_en.html	+66 (0) 2356-1111
Suvarnabhumi Airport	+66 (0) 2132-1888
State Railway of Thailand Hotline for information on routes and train services	1690
The Highways Department 24-hour hotline	1586
Highways Police	1193

New regulations when visiting South Thailand

PERSATUAN EJEN-EJEN PELANCONGAN DAN PENGEMBARAAN MALAYSIA MALAYSIAN ASSOCIATION OF TOUR AND TRAVEL AGENTS

2 November 2010 THAILAND IMPOSE NEW RULES TO TOUR OPERATORS IN MALAYSIA MATTA would like to inform that it is now compulsory for Malaysian tourists visiting Southern Thailand to hire Thai local tour guides and purchase tourism insurance from Thailand. This new ruling takes effect today (1 November 2010). This latest regulation has been announced by Southern Thailand Tourist Business Registration Department. Those who breach the rules will receive warnings. According to the department, there have been complaints from Songkhla tour guides association claiming that some Malaysian tour operators refused to hire tour guides from Thailand when visiting Hat Yai. The situation has seriously affected the livelihood of Thai tour guides. Nevertheless, due to the sudden implementation of the regulation, many Malaysian travel operators were caught by surprise, and some of them are questioning its authenticity since the notification letter was not stamped and signed by any relevant party. Under the new rule, there are five procedures needed to be followed by Malaysian tour operators, as follows: 1) Malaysian tour operators, who are bringing tourist groups to Thailand, must hold valid license issued by Malaysia Tourism Ministry. 2) Malaysian tour operators should only deal with legally registered Thai tour operators. 3) Malaysian tour operators should submit all information listed below to Thai tour operators, at least 7 days before date of departure a) name of Malaysia tour operator and license number b) dates of travel c) cost of tour package and services charges d) number of days for accommodation and meals in Thailand e) background information of Malaysian tour guide/leader f) places of interest to visit 4) Malaysian tour operator must hire a licensed tour guide in Thailand. 5) Although tourists have bought travel insurance in Malaysia, every tour operator in Thailand is required to buy another insurance in Thailand, with minimum sum insured of at least 1 million baht (travel insurance) and 500 thousand baht for accident. One of the tourist bus operators in Malaysia told China Press that the rule has actually been implemented on them since the last two years, but it has now been extended to tourist van operators. He hopes that the authority concerned in Thailand will review this new regulation and stop make things difficult for Malaysian tour operators to conduct tours as they are promoting Thailand's tourism and food industries. Besides, a tourist van operator claimed that the action taken will increase the cost of visiting Thailand and will reduce the demand for visiting Southern Thailand. Nonetheless, public relations officer in Southern Thailand, Lin Ming Jing was surprised with the announcement when contacted by media, as he has yet to receive any notice regarding the new rules imposed by the Thailand authority. He will contact the relevant authority and reply on this issue to avoid misunderstandings between both countries. He stressed that Malaysians and Singaporeans are playing vital role in promoting Thailand tourism industry. He urged all the tours operators in Malaysia to contact Tourist Business Registration Office in Southern Thailand, telephone number: 0066-74-232230 or Tourism development Office, telephone number: 0066-81-5991179 for enquiries. Thank You. JEFFRI SULAIMAN VP - OUTBOUND

Flood in Thailand

Since mid-October, flooding has taken place in Thailand’s Northeast and Central regions. The flooding is mainly affecting low-lying agricultural land and areas near major waterways such as the Chao Phraya River. Tourist destinations within Thailand, most of which are located outside of these areas, have not been affected by the floods. Transportation links to tourist destinations within Thailand are operating normally, as is Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is well prepared and monitoring the situation closely. While some flooding is occurring in suburban areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River, the BMA is confident that the other parts of the city will not be affected by the floods.

Q&As

1. Is it safe to come to Thailand with all of the floods that are taking place?

· Yes, as the flooding has taken place in Thailand’s Northeast and Central regions, mainly in low-lying agricultural land and areas near major waterways such as the Chao Phraya River

· Tourist destinations within Thailand, most of which are located outside of these areas, have not been affected by the floods.

· Transportation links to tourist destinations within Thailand are operating normally, as is Suvarnabhumi Airport.

2. The flood water appears to be approaching Bangkok. Will the city be flooded?

· Rainy season happens annually in Thailand, so the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMS) is well prepared to handle the situation

· The BMA’s vast network of flood walls and dikes has been fortified, and other water management measures such as water gates and pumping systems are prepared to deal with the increased flow of water

· Some localized flooding is occurring in suburban communities adjacent to the Chao Phraya River but the majority of the city should not be affected.

3. What about Suvarnabhumi Airport – is there a chance it may be closed down by flooding?

· The airport is more than 20 Km away from the Chao Phraya River so should not be affected by the floods.

4. I have seen reports that highways and railways have been closed by floods. Won’t this make it a problem for tourists to get around?

· Some transportation links close to major waterways in the Northeast and Central Regions have been affected by the floods, but the majority of main routes remain open

· Traffic is being detoured around the closed sections until they are re-opened, which should be within the next few days

· Domestic air travel has not been affected by the floods.

5. Why would anybody want to visit Thailand right now, with all the rain and flooding? Isn’t it better to wait and come later?

· The rainy season is an annual occurrence, and only the Northeastern and Central areas have been affected by the flooding

· The flood waters are receding in the Northeast and are expected to pass through the Greater Bangkok area by the end of this week

· Tourist destinations elsewhere within Thailand, most of which are located outside of these areas, have not been affected by the floods and are enjoying good weather.

6. Is the flooding worse this year than in other years? I haven’t heard about major floods in Thailand before.

· The rainy season is an annual occurrence, and only the Northeastern and Central areas have been affected by the flooding

· The rains have been heavier than normal this year, which has caused the flooding of low-lying agricultural land and areas near major waterways such as the Chao Phraya River.

7. Has the flooding cause any fatalities, and are any of the victims tourists?

· The floods have caused around 41 fatalities, and none of the victims have been tourists.

Tourism Authority of Thailand and MasterCard Launch “Bangkok Welcomes You” Campaign

Mr. Sansern Ngaorungsi, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with Ms Eileen Wee, Vice President and Senior Country Manager, Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide last week announced the launch of the “Bangkok Welcomes You” campaign. Leveraging the success of previous campaigns such as Unseen Paradise Stay in Style II and the various 72hrs Amazing Thailand campaigns, which were received very well by visitors, this campaign is aimed at stimulating tourism domestically and in the Asia/Pacific region and raising more online marketing channels to attract tourists from neighboring markets to travel to Bangkok.

The campaign will run for close to four months, from 18 August 2010 to 30 November 2010, offering up to 100,000 packages to travelers. Cardholders will be eligible for various hotel and merchant privileges. Tourists who are eligible for the benefits of this campaign include overseas MasterCard cardholders from various markets in the Asia/Pacific region and Expat MasterCard cardholders living in Thailand as well as local MasterCard cardholders. Travelers may choose from six pricing starting at 999, 1,599, 1,999, 2,499, 2,999, and 3,999 (all prices in baht or approximately 99, 159, 199, 249, 299 and 399 MYR) per night for two persons. Bookings have to be made via www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com and cardholders will have to use their MasterCard cards to make payment.

Travelers will receive “Bangkok Welcomes You” privilege card and special vouchers when checking in at the hotel and will be eligible to enjoy privilege offers for dining, spa & beauty and accommodation in popular Thai destinations in upcountry resorts like Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Pattaya, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket and Ko Samui etc. Other privileges will include show & entertainment, transportation and shopping benefits.

Follow these easy steps to enjoy the many “Bangkok Welcomes You” special privileges:

1. Book your hotel at www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com
2. Get your “Bangkok Welcomes You” Privilege Card when you check in. Or call (66) 8 1929 3273 if travelers do not get the privilege card.
3. Enjoy the many exclusive privileges listed at www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com

As part of the campaign, TAT will send out the project leaflet to TAT’s overseas offices in different countries in Asia/Pacific and push for communication.

MasterCard Worldwide as the official sponsor will promote the campaign to its cardholders through financial institutions region-wide. Special usage programs and benefits will be tailored in each local market to drive interest. More information on the available packages and pricing can be found at www.mastercard.com/sea.

MasterCard, in collaboration with TAT, will also host familiarization trips in Bangkok for international press from various markets in the Asia/Pacific region and road shows in selected countries including Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

So, make your reservations for Bangkok Welcomes You now! Take advantage of the many special privileges listed at www.bangkokwelcomeyou.com. Bangkok is waiting to welcome you.

Bloggers invited to compete for prizes in Thailand’s Medical Tourism Blog Contest

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Medical Tourism Blog Contest kicks off, with cash and prizes worth nearly US$20,000 up for grabs, including a seven-day all-inclusive medical tour of Thailand for 12 finalists.

The competition is easy and fun, with the aim being to promote medical tourism in the Kingdom by awarding winning contestants trips to the Land of Smiles and other prizes.

Twelve finalists chosen from the entries will win an experience of a lifetime: an all-inclusive seven-day Medical Tourism Familiarization Trip in Thailand, which will take place from November 20-26, 2010. Some of them will travel to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Ko Samui, while others will explore Bangkok. The TAT will arrange additional sightseeing tours for finalists so they can experience the attractions of Thailand as a medical tourism hub.

During the competition period from November 20, 2010 to January 31, 2011, each finalist will use blog posts, photos, videos and other social media tools to share their daily experiences with the medical services available in Thailand with a global audience. The goal is to inform readers about what is available and to persuade them to learn more about Thailand’s top medical tourism destinations.

In order to win, finalists must write the best blog post and attract the highest number of unique visitors. The blogger who attracts the most unique visitors to their URL will win the top prize of $13,000 ($10,000 in cash plus luxurious hotel vouchers worth $3,000 at Sri Panwa, Phuket and Westin Grande, Bangkok), and the finalist who the judging committee decides has created the best blog will receive prizes worth $5,000 ($3,000 in cash plus luxurious hotel vouchers worth $2,000 at Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort, Chiang Mai and Absolute Chandara Resort and Spa, Phuket).

The competition is open to anyone who has experience writing blogs related to tourism or medical tourism. To enter, visit: www.MedBlogContest.com

This is a great opportunity to discover firsthand why Thailand has become one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.

Submissions are welcome until October 31, 2010. Check out www.MedBlogContest.com

For media enquiries, please go to the *Contact Us* page and select the subject Press Media Enquiry. A team member will contact you shortly after your submission is received.**

APHORISM: A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE EXPRESSING A WISE OR CLEVER OBSERVATION OR A GENERAL TRUTH

1.
The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.

2.
Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

3.
If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense.

4.
Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.

5.
A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

6.
How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark
to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

7.
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.


8.
Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

9.
Scratch a cat and you will have a permanent job.

10.
No one has more driving ambition than the boy who wants to buy a car.

11.
There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

12.
There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM. It could be a right number.

13.
No one ever says 'It's only a game" when their team is winning.

14.
I've reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.

15.
Be careful reading the fine print. There's no way you're going to like it.

16.
The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

17.
Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?


18.
Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a BMW than on a bus.


19.
After 50, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead!!

20.

Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind, and the ones who mind, don't matter.

A new spin on an old tale

A first-grade teacher, Ms Neelam (Age 28) was having
trouble with one of her students

The teacher asked, "Boy what is your problem?"

Boy answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My
sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I
should be in the third-grade too!"

Ms Neelam had enough. She took Boy to the Principal's
office. The principal told Ms Neelam he would give the boy a
test and if he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back
to the first-grade and behave. She agreed.

Boy was brought in and the conditions were explained to
him and he agreed to take the test:

Principal: "What is 3x3?"

Boy: "9"

Principal: "What is 6x6?"

Boy: "36"

And so it went with every question the principal thought
a third-grade should know. The principal looks at Ms Neelam and tells
her, "I think the boy can go to the third-grade."

Ms Neelam says to the principal, "I have some of my own
questions. Can I ask him?" The principal and Boy both agree.

Ms Neelam asks: "What does a cow have four of that I
have only two of?

Boy, after a moment: "Legs"!

Ms Neelam: "What is in your pants that you have but I do
not have?"

Boy: "Pockets"!

Ms Neelam: "What starts with a C and ends with a T, is
hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid?"

Boy: Coconut

Ms Neelam: " What goes in hard and pink then comes out
soft and sticky?" The Principal's eyes open really wide and before he
could stop the answer, Boy quickly answered..

Boy: Bubblegum

Ms Neelam: "What does a man do standing up, a woman does
sitting down and a dog does on three legs?" The Principal's eyes again
open really wide and before he could stop the answer...

Boy: Shake hands

Ms Neelam: "Now I will ask some "Who am I" sort of
questions, okay?"

Boy: "Yep"

Ms Neelam: "You stick Your poles inside me. You tie me
down to get me up.. I get wet before you do."

Boy: "Tent"

Ms Neelam: "A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me
when you're bored. The best man always has me first."
The Principal was looking restless, a bit tense and took one
large Patiala Vodka peg.

Boy: "Wedding Ring"

Ms Neelam: "I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I
drip. When you blow me, you feel good."

Boy: "Nose"

Ms Neelam: "I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I
come with a quiver."

Boy: "Arrow"

Ms Neelam: "What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K'
that means lot of heat and excitement?"

Boy: "Firetruck"

Ms Neelam: "What word starts with a 'F' and ends in 'K'
& if u don't get it u have to use your hand"

Boy: "Fork"

Ms Neelam: "What is it that all men have. It's longer
for some men than on others. The nuns don't need it. The pope doesn't
use his and a man gives it to his wife after they're married?"

Boy: "SURNAME"

Ms Neelam: "What part of the man has no bone but has
muscles, has lots of veins, like pumping, & is responsible for making
love?"

Boy: "HEART"

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and said to the
teacher:

"Send this Boy to University, I got the last ten
questions wrong myself!"