Bangkok

celebrated in Bangkok, a barge procession moves through the city along the river Chao Praya. An impressive number of beautifully decorated barges with equally well-decorated rowers carrying the king and the boats along the river is to see. The last time a procession of this kind that took place in conjunction with the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol, in December 2007. Other events for which processions were mounted in recent history include the celebration of 60 years on the throne, Bhumibol and opening of the APEC meeting held in Bangkok in 2003.O King has his own personal barge called the Golden Swan. He brings a total of 64 people, including rowers, umbrella holders, the person responsible gaging speed, a singer and then a few more people with different work-related taxidi.O Golden Swan is 50 m and sculptures from a single piece of wood, is the largest barge of its kind in the world. This barge and other vessels that have participated in such processions can be found at the National Museum of Royal Barges.

The Golden Mountain in Bangkok

 The Golden Mountain is well worth a visit, both for the steep slopes and incredible view when you have reached the top.
Looking in different directions you can behold the "new and beautiful Bangkok", the river, Chao Praya and the older, slightly more authentic areas. You come high enough up to have a good view, but remain close enough to the ground to be able to perceive the details and contrasts. The Temple, Wat Saket is naturally also worth a visit but it is "The Royal Mountain" or "The Golden Mountain" which are truly spectacular. Three kings: Rama III (1824-51), Rama IV (1804-68) and Rama V (1853-1910) all made their contribution to the mountain - which is man-made - indeed, constructed by man. The idea was that it was to be a copy of a temple building (pagoda) in Ayudha. The mountain was never really stable under any of the kings, but was finally completed during the Second World War, when it was covered with cement. The spot is also decorated with a very beautiful Indian Buddha, which was a gift from a Brit. It is interesting that the Thais decorate a monument of this caliber with a gift from another land, and moreover tell you of its origin. The Golden Mountain is not neareither the Sky Train or the underground, so the best way to get there is to take the narrow boat from Pratunam Pier or the river boat Chao Prya Express and get off at the Memorial Bridge Pier. Then it is just 318 steps to the top.

                      Ancient City in Bangkok

        Ancient City is a park

 Here you will encounter all of Thailand in a space of 80 hectares. Ancient City is considered the largest outdoor museum in the world, where you will find all of Thailand's famous buildings and landmarks. Some of them are in their original size given that they were moved here for preservation, but the majority are scaled-down replicas.
Ancient City is located 35 kilometers east of Bangkok. Given that the grounds are rather expansive, it is probably best to dedicate a full day for the trip. It is a rather practical way to see the whole country if you don't have the time to travel around

ew Immigration Chief Allows 90-Day Reporting by Mail

New Immigration Chief Allows 90-Day Reporting by Mail

Visith Pinpawong Pattaya Times newspaper and website 15.02.2011 06:38

New Immigration Chief Pol. Col. Chusak Panutumpon agreed with Drew Noyes to allow 90-day reporting by mail.

According to the Pattaya Times, of today, foreigners who were issued their six-month or one-year visas by the Chonburi Immigration Bureau no longer have to go to the immigration office to report in person every 90 days.

Visa holders wishing to stay legally in Thailand more than 90 days and hold valid visas now have two other choices. The first choice is to sign a Power of Attorney form and let someone else submit the form.

The second and easiest choice to report is by mailing the “Form for Alien to Notify of Staying Longer than 90 Days,” form TM. 47 to the immigration office before the due date of reporting which is 90 days after the last entry into Thailand and is stamped in the passport.

Police Colonel Chusak Panutumpon, age 50, is the new Chief of Chonburi Immigration located in Pattaya on Jomtien Soi 5.   On his second day in office the new chief, as is customary, was introduced to the Pattaya Times newspaper Publisher, Drew Noyes and Editor Wanrapa Boonsu to clarify his role and discuss his objectives for his new assignment in Pattaya and ask for suggestions.

Most recently Pol. Col. Chusak was the Chief of Immigration for the Ubon Rachathani station for three years.  Last year Pol. Col. Chusak was awarded a trophy for his excellent work in developing his immigration police station into becoming a citizen-friendly police station. His trophy was granted by the Royal Thai Police Chief Police General Wichian Potphosri. Now his goal is to make the improving Chonburi station even more accommodating to foreign residents and tourists.

In Thai, the new Chief said, “I am very happy to meet you both. My goal is to find solutions to improve customer service and improved ways to operate this busy immigration office and I would like your help.”

The new Immigration Chief told 14-year Pattaya resident, American Drew Noyes and his Thai wife “Kung” who is from Ubon Rachathani that on his first day the office was open until 7 pm because of all of the foreigners needing services and he was amazed at the number of foreigners his staff deals with per day. At his last posting as Chief in Ubon Rachathani there were only about 1,000 foreigners - mostly married to Thais – and some tourists his office serviced.

Drew Noyes, who also owns PAPPA Co., Ltd. Legal and Visas Services, suggested that many of the foreigners go to Immigration simply to say they are still in Thailand by submitting a mandatory 90-day notification form to an officer and having it processed while they wait.

The expat continued to explain that most foreigners are troubled to go to the office in Jomtien because it is far from central Pattaya and the Immigration officers are overwhelmed with the crowded waiting area every day and sometimes understandably become annoyed by being overworked.

Drew Noyes said this situation is a burden to all and a solution would greatly improve the service to those having to submit the form, the foreigners waiting for visas or extensions of stay while lightening the work load of the new chief’s officers.

The two new friends worked to find a solution to the mandatory 90-day reporting situation by using the internet to get the form and the Thai Post Office to send the form to the Immigration Office.

“All foreigners, regardless of the number of days or months remaining on their visas, must appear to complete the 90-Day form 90 days after their most recent entry into the kingdom and this is unnecessary if it can be done by mail,” stated Drew Noyes, who with his company PAPPA Co., Ltd. has helped more than 4,000 foreigners with legal and visas problems and was the founding chairman of both Pattaya Expat clubs and the Optimist International Club of Thailand and also sits on the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) law board in Bangkok.

Drew Noyes suggested that registration on the internet had been proposed last year was one solution, but since there was no system approved yet, the chief could approve submission of the 90-day reporting form by mail. This would also be easier than having to appear at the Immigration Office in person or send someone to notify immigration the foreigner is still in Thailand, Drew Noyes added in his conversation with the new Chief.

The seasoned Chief immediately called for the officer-in-charge of 90-Day reporting and asked him, “How many foreigners come here each month only to submit the 90-day reporting form?”

“Between 4,000 to 6,000 foreigners come here just for this reporting, sir,” was the reply.

Drew suggested that the form could be uploaded to the www.Pattaya-Times.com website with instructions. The foreigners who get their visa from his immigration office could mail the 90-day reporting form.

Pol. Col. Chusak agreed to the request and now allows the form to be copied and mailed to his office. The two men shook hands and were delighted with their agreement as it benefits both the foreigners and the overworked immigration officers.

Now the new, approved alternative process for 90-day report of stay, TM. 47is as follows:

1). Download the TM. 47 Form for Alien to Notify of Staying Longer than 90 Days at http://pattaya-times.com/a6847-90-day-immigration-reporting-form-by-mail or use a form obtained from any Thailand Immigration office.

2). Completed the form in block print letters making sure it is easy to read and sign it on the “Signature” line. No photo necessary, but copy your passport photo page and the passport page with the most recent entry stamp.

3). Put the form and passport copies in a regular business envelope

4). Simply affix a 5 baht Thailand Post Office stamp onto the envelope and mail it before your 90-day reporting is due.

5). Mail it to: Chonburi Immigration, 74/265 Moo 12, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260.

Complete instructions and the ability to complete the form online are available on the Pattaya Times website.

If anyone would like to submit their 90-day reporting by using a Power of Attorney form and having another person go to immigration to submit the form on their behalf a form can be obtained from PAPPA Co., Ltd. 448/21 Moo 12 Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, or by requesting by email to Drew@PattayaLawyers.com.

Pol. Col. Chusak is not new to Pattaya as he was formerly a Royal Thai Police officer serving at the Pattaya Police station on Soi 9 holding the rank of Inspector before he was transferred and began serving as a Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau officer serving duty on the border of Cambodia and then the border of Laos.

Click www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/download/tm47.doc to download the above form to your computer.

Complete the form by filling out where the form was written, the day, month and year follow by printing your name and surname in block letters. Fill out your nationality and tick which type of visa you have (tourist or non-immigrant). Put in the day, month, and year that you entered Thailand and how (plane, car, etc.). Then put in your passport number and the arrival card number. Finally fill out your current address then sign your signature.

You do not need to attach a photo.

Write this address on the envelop along with a 5 baht stamp:

Chonburi Immigration

75/265 M.12 Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi 20260

or in Thai

ตรวจคนเข้าเมืองชลบุรี

75/265 หมู่12 ตำลบหนองปรือ

อำเภอบางละมุง จังหวัดชลบุรี 20260

ที่ ตช 0029.43 (2)/.

On the other side of the envelop write the return address (your address).

                 Lumpinh Park

  Bangkok's main refuge is of the same caliber as Central Park and Hyde Park, if maybe just a bit smaller. Just north of the Sky Train station Sala Daeng and the underground station Silom lies the main entrance to the park. It is possible to enter at various points but if you are going to meet up with a group, this is the place to doit.Lumpinicomprises open grassy knolls, asphalt-covered spaces and wooded areas. There is a path winding through the park that can be appreciated while walking, jogging, strolling, etc around it's 2.4 km long route. There are clear markings every 100th meter. There is also a swimming pool in the park (which you must furnish a doctor's clean bill of health to use) and an outdoor gym. Food vendors and kiosks open in the late afternoon, given that the park is apparently empty during the hottest hours of the day. In addition to the gym, there is even training equipment a bit spread out throughout the park, as well as play areas for children. Open aerobics classes in the park are arranged at certain times of the year

                          Ayuthaya

Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand (then Siam onomazonta) from 1350 until he was sacked by the Burmese army in 1767 The very old city founded on an island about 4 km poudiamorfothikan the confluence of Chaophraya, Lopburi kaiPasak. A wall once encircle the entire island, although only a few pieces of the wall can be found today.The King Ramathibodi I, is credited with founding the city. The city was rich in products of the soil, and the exploitation of expanding trade routes between India and China. The empire grew to control most of Thailand, and by the time the first Europeans arrived in the middle of the 17th century, Ayutthaya was a city of more than one million people - double the population of London at the same time. The main sights are concentrated in the northwest corner of the island, while the modern city hugs the eastern shore. There are also numerous other attractions spread around the opposite side of the river The ruins of the old capital of hisAyuttaya Ayutthaya Thanee Hotel historic park is now a world heritage by UNESCO.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a city located about 140 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand as a holiday resort, designed to meet even the most demanding requirements. You know why? Beach activities, luxury hotels, pleasant atmosphere,amusement parks, museums and nightlife ... Thailand History fifty years ago,  Pattaya used to be only a small  fishing village. The change resulted from the sudden, in 1959, when several U.S. soldiers from the base of Nakhon Ratchasima, visited the region. They rented a house and stayed here for a week to enjoy the crystal clear waters. After their return, information about amagical place has spread very quickly, and before long more and more soldiers arrive in Pattaya, later, their families, too. Since then, Pattaya has largely development. Pattaya has become a destination that is visited by approx. third of all tourists going to Thailand all, the level of service is very good. offers beautiful weather, affordable accommodation and lively nightlife. is the right place for the discerning tourists, but not recommended for those seeking a relaxing holiday destination with a romantic corners and secluded beaches .. can visit a number of tourist attractions such as Pattaya Beach about 5 km., Mini Siam Pattaya approximately 3.1 km., Koh Larne about 12 km., Pattaya Beach approximately 17 km., Million Years Stone Park about 6 km., Pattaya Underwater World approximately 4.9 km., Ko Samet   about 74 km., Hat Sai Kaew about 75 km., Sriracha Tiger Zoo about 27 km

King Bhumibol, The Strength of Thailand

King Bhumibol, The Strength of Thailand

In 1946 His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty, ascended to the throne. At his coronation ceremony he promised that both he and Queen Sirikit would "reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people." For over 60 years, as the world's longest reigning, living monarch, His Majesty has upheld the commitment articulated at his coronation.
While eschewing a political role himself, King Bhumibol has established himself as both a statesman and a unifying figure in a country often afflicted by political confusion. He has always relied on hard work, rather than wealth, power and position, to gain the respect of others. Willing to play whatever role his subjects felt suitable for him, he turned towards the people who needed him the most: the poor, the uneducated and the sick.

Beloved by his people and perhaps the world's hardest working monarch, King Bhumibol has actively pursued many interests as a sportsman and artist while balancing his civic and royal duties. He is the only monarch to win a medal at an international sporting event--a gold medal for sailing at the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games. He was also chosen as an honorary member of the Academy for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna Austria in1964, and was the first Asian ever to be so honored for his music. His composition, Blue Night, was featured in a 1950 Broadway production of Peepshow.

Not content to play the role of a figurehead, Bhumibol assisted national development through the alleviation of poverty and the improvement of the quality of life of his people. In 1993, he became the world's first reigning monarch to apply for, and be granted, a patent for his own invention. The invention was a buoy-type, low-speed air jet aerator used to add oxygen to ponds and other still waters.

The king has a very practical approach to national development and improving the lives of his citizens and the environment. Not afraid to get his boots dirty, King Bhumibol has trampled over many hills in the isolated areas of Thailand to meet excited subjects waiting to show off their new coffee shrub, peach tree or asparagus.

Like every Thai monarch, Bhumibol is guided by the Tenfold Moral Principles of the Sovereign. These Buddhist teachings serve to guide the monarch on the correct course to be taken by the leader of the country and by one who sets an example for all men. The Ten Commandments of Kingship, as His Majesty has called them, advise that a king should help those who need assistance in times of trouble. He has revitalized the monarchy through his interest in the everyday needs of the populace. He changed his field of study in Switzerland, from Engineering to Political Science and Law so that he could understand how to rule with justice and help his people in times of need. To that end, he committed to helping the poor and underprivileged. In 1995, he focused on the effects of flooding on the poorest sections of the outskirts of Bangkok and brought this destruction to the attention of the government so they could find a long-term solution.

According to this royal guide, a king should also be a person of moral integrity, willing to sacrifice his private interests for the sake of the greater public interest; grasping the means to do right at all times. During His Majesty's early childhood, the Princess Mother had instilled humanitarian principles, teaching him to give his time and money to others. She would tax the royal children ten percent of their pocket money every week, putting the contribution into a box in the center of their apartment. Then at the end of the month, she would gather all the children together to decide where the money would go: a foundation, a blind school or another charitable activity.

Bhumibol was trained to work for others, to sacrifice his time and money for the people. "That's why when he got on the throne he started working immediately." He turned over a large area of his grounds at Chitralada Villa to researchers and long-term experiments in the 50s, giving land in the Hua Hin District for the Hat Sai Yai Farm in the mid-60s and implementing a land reform program in 1975 in which royal land was donated to landless peasants. His generous nature is yet another example of his moral integrity.

Another of the principles of kingship is that a king needs to be faithful to his ideals, sincere in working for the public and honest, while being modest and gentle. He should be unassertive and pleasant of manner, refraining from anger or the display of displeasure. He should not provoke others, but promote peace and non-violent action.

Finally, a leader should be diligent and hard-working in all tasks, leading a simple life full of self-control; forbearing all; and not obstructing the will of the people. King Bhumibol is a shining example of all of these traits and has been recognized throughout the world for his service and leadership.

In 1992, the World Health Organization (WHO) awarded His Majesty its Health-for-All Gold Medal for services ensuring the nation's good health, which is a worthy accolade for a devout monarch whose prime concern has been the welfare of others. The king established free clinics staffed by royal physicians or other royal medical division and military medical personnel. He also created a Royal Mobile Dental Unit in April 1970, entrusting his personal dentist Dr. Sri Sirisingha who had recently retired, to undertake this mission. The doctor recalled the king's order:

". . . I would like you to look after the dental care of the students who live in remote areas. I will take care of all the necessary expenses and will provide you with a mobile dental unit to go out to isolated villages and hamlets. . . .

In June 1995 the respected periodical Asiaweek praised him at the top of their list of 20 great Asians. Asiaweek said that Bhumibol "has continued to look out for the good of even the lowest in the kingdom. He influences politics without being political. In doing so, he has made an ancient monarchy into a crucial component of a progressive and prosperous democracy."

His efforts were even noticed by governments outside of Asia. While addressing the United States Senate in 1995, Senator Max Baucus had this to say about His Majesty's hard work:

"Today, Thailand is one of the anchors of the modern, prosperous Southeast Asia. Bangkok has become one of the world's great cities and commercial centers. . . . Much of this extraordinary success is due to the wise guidance of King Bhumibol. The king has led by example. He has embodied the ten traditional moral principles of Buddhist kings: charity toward the poor; morality; sacrifice of personal interest; honesty; courtesy; self-restraint; tranquility of temperament; non-violence; patience; and impartiality in settling disputes. And he has led by action. Together, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit have devoted decades to improving the lives of Thai people in rural and impoverished regions. They constantly travel to the country's 73 provinces, meeting with villagers and staying close to the people. The results are obvious in improved public health, the spread of education to all Thai children and the renewal of traditional crafts and textiles."

Because of his hard work and dedication to the Thai community, King Bhumibol continues to live in the hearts and minds of his people. Today where popularity is fleeting and fame disappears in moments, Thailand has always loved and cherished their benevolent king. He has not only lived up to his declaration at his coronation to rule with righteousness, he has lived up to his name: Bhumibol, which means "Strength of the Land."

Krung Thep

   

• Krung Thep   Bangkok is the Thai capital and largest city on the left bank of the river we stayed at the mouth of the Gulf of Siam. It has a population of 6,355,144 inhabitants. Several tributaries cut through the city and break int o small islands, so they called and "Venice of East". Along the shore across a floating city .. Bangkok is the largest commercial and industrial center of Thailand. Where does the University and the port becomes most imports and exports. Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport) is one of the best in the East ..... The climate is tropical and the main characteristic monsoons.
  Bangkok is the only city of Thailand has metro.I driving is on the left. Overall transport is used motorcycles, motorcycles and bicycles. The main attraction of Phitsanulok is the excellent and ierotato statue Practices Tsinarat Bunia, located in the equally impressive Wat Si Ratan Machatat Practices (BAT Giai) (Phutthabucha Rd.), One of the few construction period of Ayutthaya that survived a disastrous fire 1955. A stunning collection of objects hosted in rural Folk Museum of Staff Sergeant Tavium (Wisuth Kasat Rd.) In the southeastern part of town. Opposite the Folklore Museum in Budapest continues the foundry to produce bronze statues of Buddha, demand for which is still great. Cosmopolitan, chaotic and exotic, it is difficult to ignore, even if you hate big cities, some will charm you with excess. The Grand Palace Wat Khao Practices smaragdine the Buddha, the National Museum of the finest examples of art from across the country, separate Vimanmek Teak Mansion, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, walks the waters of the Chao Prague, river across the city, countless channels with daily life unfolds before your eyes, countless exotic temples, the riot of colors in the floating markets are just some of what you will keep for several days in Bangkok. Of course not resist the temptation to visit the modern shopping malls in Siam Square that make our Village Parks neighborhood look like movies of the past decade! Finally Bankok is a very good place to get visas for neighboring countries (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc.), quickly and fairly cheaply. Most travelers stay in the street Kao Sha, a neighborhood gathering and small budget hotels, travel agencies, antalaktiria, cafe-bars that may be required by the customer. chedi is a religious monument or shrine, also known as a "stupa." This one is located near the top of the highest mountain in Thailand. It's located about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai, and is surrounded by Doi Inthanon National Park. The weather on the mountain top is very similar to Seattle





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