Thai Festival 2010
Featuring: e!!! e f • Thai cultural performances n o i s s i o adm n • Thai boxing demonstration • Traditional music • Enjoy authentic Thai food, Thai exotic fruits and various Thai herbal drinks Sunday, 25 July 2010 @ Radhuspladsen, Copenhagen 10.00 - 18.00 hrs.
Sunday, 5 September 2010 @ Moesgaard Museum, Aarhus 10.00 - 18.00 hrs.
Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
Buckets of fun
at the Thai Festival
by Hodman Murad
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he First Thai Festival at Rådhuspladsen Square in Copenhagen started in the year 2008 as part of the events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Denmark. Since then the Kingdom of Thailand has set out to strengthen and unite the Thai population in Denmark as well as to reassure the Danish government that its community has truly integrated into Danish society by living and mingling well with the Danish people. Thai Festival was held in the city square again in 2009 for the second time and will once again be open to the public this week. Thailand is proud to show the world its culture. Thailand’s history melts into everyday life with its traditional and modern philosophies. Beautiful glittering temples with impressive Asian statues and decorations coexisting in Bangkok with super high and modern buildings with the latest cuttingedge architecture and street kitchens with their smoking woks across internet cafes as part of everyday life. This unique culture is underlined by its particular history, neighbouring countries, religion and language. Formerly known as Siam, it was renamed in 1949 to Thailand – which means ’free land’. A fitting name for the only country in Southeast Asia that has not been colonized. Its traditions incorporate a great deal of influence from India, China, Cambodia, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Thailand’s national religion Theravada Buddhism is important to modern Thai identity. Thailand has always had a special relationship with Denmark. Since the kingdom sent its first diplomat in to Denmark over 150 years ago, Danish-Thai relations have bloomed culturally and economically. Today there are over 200 Danish companies conducting business in Thailand and more Danes choose Bangkok as a vacation destination for their holidays. This Sunday, Thailand will be returning the favour and bringing its culture to Copenhagen. Fifty years ago, Thailand was an obscure land in the far eastern corner of the world. Barely accessible by air, travel to the Asian kingdom was somewhat of a challenge. In those days, this country was a place best left to those with an adventurous side. Since 1960 though, a modest government has been founded with the goal of bringing Thailand’s treasures to the rest of the world. Stunning white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, golden temples and an ancient and welcoming culturing. Today, Thailand is consistently ranked as one of the top places to travel to in the world. Festival goers can experience many aspects of Thai culture and celebrations such as that during
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Songkran – the traditional New Year’s celebration that is celebrated in April. Songkran was originally celebrated only in the north of Thailand, and is thought to have been brought there by the Burmese, who adapted it from the Indian Holi festival. The celebration of Songkran includes the throwing of water. Thais roam the streets with containers of water or water guns or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. It is this good spirit of celebration that has attracted tourists to Thailand and its culture over the years and will be present in Copenhagen this week. Another aspect that has made Thailand so distinct is the courtesy and sense of family that its people are raised with. Like most Asian cultures, respect towards ancestors is an essential part of Thai spiritual practice. Thais have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity, but also a strong sense of social hierarchy. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture. Elders have by tradition ruled in family decisions or ceremonies. Older siblings have duties to younger ones. Several different ethnic groups populate Thailand. Some of these groups overlap in Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia and have mediated change between their traditional local culture, national Thai and global cultural influences. All these nationalities coinciding together have had a hand in the shaping of Thailand’s food, music, dance and sport. All of which will be displayed at Copenhagen’s Thai Festival. Thailand has so much to offer to the world. Virtually every part of Thai culture contains something for individuals seeking new and unique experiences. No matter the budget, no matter the style, those planning to attend Thai Festival this weekend will experience diversity and originality served with the utmost warmth and generosity, reaffirming once again that Thailand is truly a “Land of Smiles”. a
Thai
Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
festival 2010
For decades Thailand has been a popular holiday destination, especially among the sun-starved Danes of winter. Luxurious silk, midnight blue sapphires, golden and jade Buddhas, idyllic beaches, and of course, food draw millions of visitors annually. by Emily Clark
T
o walk down a Bangkok street is a sensory experience, with the aroma of mint, chili, basil and garlic emanating from every café and sidewalk food stand. Depending on your preference, all the delicious food can be washed down with Thai beer, sweet creamy tea or any number of herbal beverages. Out on the beaches and islands, it’s possible to kick back, go snorkeling and diving and stay in a thatched-roof cabin or a five-star hotel. Even though there has been some political unrest lately, it has for the most part remained peaceful so that Thailand remains a nearly perfect vacation destination. Thailand, formerly Siam, is an ancient kingdom whose origins stretch back more than 4,000 years. The monarch was once an absolute ruler, but modern Thailand is a constitutional democracy with the king as figurehead.
This Sunday, immerse yourself in all things Thai at the day-long Thai Festival on City Hall Square. The festival, sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy and various business and cultural entities, will feature Thai food and drink, traditional dancing with elaborate costumes and golden headdresses (originally reserved for the royal court of Siam) classical Thai music (cymbals, gongs, drums and different flutes) and demonstrations
of Thai boxing—a martial art with origins in the Siamese military. Booths will offer food such as phad Thai and satay, exotic fruits from Thailand and drinks made from longan, lemongrass and chrysanthemum. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways will showcase popular holiday destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai. The offices of Commercial and Agricultural Affairs and the Thailand Board of Investment will provide business and investment information. One of the best meals I ever had was in Bangkok, years ago, following a day spent on the Chao Phraya river, first in a water taxi and later at a snake farm. I remember a dish of fragrant, perfectly cooked meat and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. Even though my Thai-based American companions—friends of friends— turned out to be minor-league drug dealers, the food was so exquisite that I hoped (while I tucked in) that they wouldn’t ask me to carry any packages back to the states for them. Luckily, they didn’t, and I ate my way through Bangkok for more than a week before flying on to Indonesia. Thai Festival 2010, Sunday 25 July, 11-1730, Radhuspladsen, 1550 Copenhagen V. Free admission, with charges for food and drinks. More information at www.thaiembassy.dk.
POST BOX President and Publisher - Ejvind Sandal Chief Executive - Jesper Nymark Editor - Ben Hamilton Layout & Design - Lyndsay Jensen Journalists - Emily Clark, Hodman Murad Sales and Marketing Director Hans Hermansen Sales and Advertising Mark Millen, Amanda Knoll If you would like to contact us or leave a comment: info@cphpost.dk This supplement is published by The Copenhagen Post, please refer to our disclaimer on page 2 of the newspaper.
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Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
50 Years of
Thai in the Sky
THAI Relives its Historic First Flight Marking 50th Anniversary
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ew could have predicted at the beginning of THAI Airways’ journey that it would one day become one of the world’s most successful airlines in the world. In may of 1960 Thailand’s Queen Sirikit with an entourage of Buddhist monks gathered on a sweltering day to pray and throw holy water on three DC-6B airplanes to bless THAI Airways before its first scheduled flight. Over the next half century THAI would go on to achieve what many airlines that have come and gone could only dream of. THAI Airways had its humble beginnings as partners with SAS airlines. The Scandinavian company not only provided THAI with it’s first set of jets but, in fact, the first official flight was piloted by a Scandinavian with a Thai co-piloting. Over time THAI’s relationship with this region of the world would continue with Copenhagen being the airline’s very first destination in Europe. THAI Airways has received many awards and accolades for its impeccable service. The THAI staff strive to continuously go above and beyond for their customers. ’What sets us apart is our Thai identity, grace, warmth and friendliness. We have have better service on board and on the ground, better in-flight menus and entertainment, and improved airport lounges,’ Piyasvasti Amranand, president of THAI, told the International Herald Tribune a few days after the airlines’ anniversary. Aside from entertainment and friendliness all THAI staff receive continuous training in the highest international service standards. Despite its many achievements THAI Airways has not been immune to the recent economic downfalls of the world market. ’There is no doubt that this is a challenging environment in which to manage an airline. Some of the factors and risks that we are facing and addressing are the economic slowdown, the uncertainty of fuel prices, our domestic political situation and an increasing number of competitors – especially low-cost carriers and emerging Middle Eastern Airlines,’ exclaimed Amranand.
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In 2008 THAI Airways suffered its first financial losses in 43 years, but with its resiliency and family mentality the airline is already once again experiencing growth in profits. ’THAI has been through a number of crises including the Gulf War and the SARS epidemic, yet we’ve managed to emerge almost unscathed. Once again, I believe it is the people who work for THAI who have made the difference in our response. In each case the staff really pulled together, and when people pull together anything can happen,’ the airline’s president told the international edition of The New York Times. With more and more focus on the need to contain the spread of global warming, airlines – along with other sectors of the transportation industry - have been the main targets of backlash from governments and environmental groups about the levels of CO2 emissions that their planes are responsible for. THAI Airways has taken the initiative to make its airline one of the most environmentally friendliest in its industry. ’We’ve taken a number of actions, but among the most recent are that we are publishing the carbon footprint of all meals on our in-flight menu and our cooperation with the International Air Transport Association and their Voluntary Carbon Offset Program,’ Amranand told the Times. In August of 2009 THAI became the first AsiaPacific airline to sign IATA’s carbon offset program. In the midst of its golden anniversary, THAI Airways isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. In a time when most airlines are wearing out current machines or settling for older air crafts in order to make ends meet, THAI is committed to purchasing only the most advanced and innovative in aerodynamic machinery. In celebration of its birthday, Piyasvasti Amranand and his team have initiated a program at THAI designed to phase out older air crafts for ones that are state-of-the-art. Slated to run through 2024, this multi year program is set to rocket THAI Airways into a whole new stratosphere above their competition. a
On 1 May 2010 Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will relive its historic first flight as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, on the Bangkok – Hong Kong route, with a special in-flight menu, souvenirs, and onboard activities. Mr. Pruet Boobphakam, THAI’s Executive Vice President for Commercial, said that on 1 May 2010 the Company will relive its historic first flight on the route from Bangkok to Hong Kong as part of its 50th Anniversary celebration. During this special “Nostalgic Flight,” passengers will experience THAI’s first flight, as flown 50 years ago on 1 May 1960, but in 2010 will travel on board a Boeing 747-400 repainted in the original livery design, as seen on the DC-6B aircraft in 1960. THAI is offering a special Royal Orchid Holidays package tour for customers wishing to experience this event. Passengers journey into nostalgia will start from the time they arrive at check-in, then on to the in-flight services with specially tailored menu selection. As well, passengers will receive a collection of THAI’s 50th Anniversary souvenirs that include the Commemorative Postage Stamps and the original-designed THAI boarding pass. In recreating an atmosphere of nostalgia, THAI cabin crew will also be outfitted in uniforms from that period. On the specially prepared menu for passengers on this unique flight, THAI based its food selection on the original menu served on board its first flight to Hong Kong. First Class first course will consist of Lobster Medallion Bellevue served with Russian Salad in Tomato Crown and Smoked Snapper Marinated with Mustard Sauce served with Thai herbs such as lime wedges, shallot, peanut, ginger, chili slices and spring onion, all together wrapped with betel leaves. For the main course, first class passengers will feast on Lobster in Chu-Chee Sauce and Braised Cubed Beef Hong Kong Style. For other passengers, the main course selection includes Prawn in Chu-Chee Curry with steamed Thai jasmine rice served with Thai omelet and stir-fried vegetables or Braised Cubed Hong Kong-Style Beef with Egg Noodles topped with red chili julienne and kalian with oyster sauce. THAI will also treat all passengers departing Bangkok on all THAI flights on 1 May 2010 with Golden Crispy Coconut Roll for dessert, which will be served in a special THAI container that passengers can keep as a commemorative souvenir.
Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
Smile throughout Thailand with great deals to incredible places.
THAI is celebrating 50 years of legendary service and the world’s most famous smile with special fares to all our beautiful destinations in Thailand. Enjoy more great value on exclusive travel deals with our Royal Orchid Holidays hotel and tour packages. For business or leisure, we’re making you smile – just like we always have. Smooth as Silk. For more details and reservations please contact your nearest travel agency or visit www.thaiairways.com
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Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
THAI FESTIVAL 2010 RADHUSPLASEN COPENHAGEN SUNDAY, 25TH JULY 2010 10:00 - 18:00 HRS. STAGE
BACKSTAGE
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List of Exhibitors
List of Shops & Restaurants
1. Royal Thai Embassy Norgesmindevej 18, 2900 Hellerup Tel. +45 39 62 50 10
4. Thai Kalasin Restaurant Kattesundet 12 St., 1458 Copenhagen Tel. +45 33 36 36 12
7. Mee Duang Thai Takeaway Lynneborggade 1, 2300 Copenhagen S. Tel. + 45 32 96 50 75
Office of Commercial ,Affairs Hellerupvej 76, 2900 Hellerup Tel. +45 39 62 69 99
Lebara Mobile Danmark Badehavnsgade 2c St, 2450 Copenhagen SV Tel. +45 50 10 10 10
8. Thai Esan Restaurant Lille Istedgade 7, 1656 Copenhagen V. Tel. + 45 33 24 98 54
Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Stureplan 4C, 4th, 114 35 Stockholm Tel. +46 08 463 11 58
5. Bornicon & Salming Aps Lima Kongevejen 20, 1 sal, 2791 Dragor Tel. + 45 32 55 88 34
Ayutthaya 1 Restaurant Griffenfeldsgade 39 A, 2200 Copenhagen N. Tel. + 45 35 37 38 68
2. Tourism Authority of Thailand Drottninggatan 33 NB, 111 51 Stockholm Tel. + 46 8 700 5691
6. Thai Thai Takeaway Valdemarsgade 46 St., 1665 Copenhagen V. Tel. +45 33 23 08 81
9. Thai Corner Restaurant Istedgade 38, 1650 Copenhagen V. Tel. +45 33 25 62 25
3. Thai Airways International Radhuspladsen 16, 1550, Copenhagen V Tel. +45 33 75 01 20
Lemongrass Thai Cuisine Restaurant Torvegade 5, 3000 Helsingor Tel. + 45 49 25 15 11
SPONSORS:
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Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
The Taste of Thailand Add that finishing touch to your Thai meal You can find Singha Beer in all Thai restaurants and Asian shops. 7
Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
the seven Wonders Of
Amazing Thailand Thailand is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s where delicate fragrances of frangipani and jasmine linger in golden temples, strong feelings of culture and history enrich the spirit and soul, smiles and friendliness reflect natural charm and hospitality, and the world’s longest-serving monarch enjoys the love and respect of the whole nation. This magnificent country possesses a mix of culture, people and wisdom, and is proud of its long history of more than seven hundred years of independence. It is a rich blend of colorful traditions and dazzling modern progress, a crossroads of past and future, a place of stories and legends, with an everlasting devotion to the monarchy, to the Buddhist faith, and to the ideals of freedom that have sustained Thailand. Join us on a journey into the heart of one of the most loved regions on earth with its inspiring local traditions, ancient cities, breathtaking sites, amazing scenery, and opportunities to shop and dine at prices you can afford. The diverse attractions will awaken your sense and provide you with endless chances to explore and discover new experiences. Take the journey through our great travel theme, Sven Amazing Wonders of Thailand, and savor the wonders of Thainess, treasure, Beaches, Nature, Wellness, Trends and Festivities. The spells and charms of this journey will make you feel excited, alive and special.
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THAINESS
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TREASURE
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BEACHES
The kingdom of Thailand displays the wonder of Thainess – a quality based on the peoples’ unquestioning devotion to the monarchy and Buddhism. These and other enduring traditions color the nation and give the sense of an ancient that is different. Journey through Thainess and feel Thai cultural traditions, the beauty of Thai hospitality, and simplicity of Thai lifestyles and friendliness. Experience the Art of Thai Living, and learn about Living in Thai ways, Symbol of Thailand, Agrotourism and Agriculture, Local Wisdom, Delicious Cuisine, and Thai Ancient Sport
Thailand historically has been an important focus of natural and cultural developments, as shown by the existence of numerous wildlife sanctuaries, archaeological discoveries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Royal palaces, buildings of immense historical values and more than 30.000 Buddhist temples can be found around the country. It is a journey that takes you through the Land of Heritage and History giving you an insight into the unique culture of Thailand and its people.
Enjoy the Fun, Sun, Surf, and Serenity of Thai Beaches at your leisure. There are many journeys to choose – climb to the trop of a mountain and take in the spectacular view, dance all night at a beach rave, relax on white sandy beaches and rest in grass-roofed huts snuggled in the shade of coconut palms, dive into an unspoiled blue world, discover hidden lagoons on the islands, or simply float on the turquoise water. Whatever you wish, Thailand welcomes you to the wonder of beautiful beaches and enticing islands.
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Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
www.tourismthailand.se
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Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
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NATURE
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WELLNESS
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TRENDS
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FESTIVITIES
Take a journey through the wonder of nature and experience a vast variety of agricultural lifestyles, educational activities, exciting adventures, scenic paradises, wildlife sanctuaries, and marine and national parks spread throughout the country. Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature that allows you to test the kingdom’sboasts of its collection of untouched natural resources and green destinations.
The gentle, calming effects of holistic spa treatments, natural remedies, the efficiency and professionalism of medical care – all contribute to the rapid development of Thailand as the health capital of Asia. These features accompanies by Thai hospitality satisfy the most demanding standards and leave an unforgettable impression on visitors of all ages. Rejuvenate your mind and your body by treating yourself to the unique personal experience of a touch of Thai care.
Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends is the campaign to stimulate you with the wonders of boutiques and chic fashions, modern shopping malls, weekend markets, fusion cuisine, nightlife and entertainment. Get a glimpse of this unique cosmopolitan lifestyle in a twenty-first century setting of international standard, all the an Asian flavor.
Visiting Thailand lets you experience an endless journey through a series of religious and/or cultural festivals, rites, processions, dances, and ceremonies on which Thais base their lives. You are invited to journey through the wonder of these color ful events and festivals and experience an integral part of Thai lifestyle. Join us as we journey to the core of this unique country – the magical world, the true spirit, and the seven amazing wonders of the Kingdom of Thailand. a
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Thailand Festival - 23-29 July 2010
thai FeStival
2010
at moeSgaarD muSeum iN aarhuS
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COMPETITION !!!
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Meet us at the Thai Festival at Rådhusplads and win a Samsung E570! Deliver this coupon to our sales personnel at the Lebara stand at Rådhusplads the 25th of July 2010 Your name:
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