Plan Hatched to Slick Up Tourist Spots

Thailand's Department of Tourism is set to request a budget of 1.5 billion baht in 2012 to liven up certain tourist destinations nationwide.

Tourism Development Center Director Arnupab Kesornsuvan revealed that the department will request a budget of 1.5 billion baht for the 2012 fiscal year.

He said if the proposal is approved, the fund would be used to spruce up key tourist attractions in various provinces, including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima, to attract more tourists.

Initially, the department will host the Tourist Roads campaign by livening up main routes in various provinces with lights and lanterns and promoting them as tourist destinations.

The project will be launched in Bangkok first.

The department aims to seek cooperation from property owners to decorate their buildings and eateries in main shopping districts, including, those on Sukhumvit and Silom roads, Rajdamnoen Avenue and the Chinatown.

In addition, the department will invite the Architect Council of Thailand under Chulalongkorn University to help repaint old buildings and renovate worn-down walls in public areas.

Both the public and private sectors are welcome to join the project.

Arnupab affirmed that the project is in accordance with the Pheu Thai-led government's plan to declare 2011 and 2012 Miracle Thailand Years.

The project will also cover various festivities as Thailand celebrates his Majesty the King's 84th birthday this year.

Bangkok Ladyboy Shows

Thailand's katoeys are some of the most beautiful - and convincing - transvestites in the world, mostly accepted and embraced by a highly tolerant Thai society. Some families even believe that katoeys bring good luck to them, an enlightened attitude that was boosted by several Thai movies in the past two decades dedicated to katoey themes.
'Beautiful Boxer', for example, tells the true story of a Thai kickboxing champion who became a woman, adored by fans and feared by rivals. Gender reassignment surgery in Thailand is also legendary - not only for the outstanding surgical standards that are maintained, but also because it is one of the most cost-effective places in the world to have it done.
But, back to the ladyboy shows. Most of the performers have had breast implant surgery, and are saving for the 'final curtain' on their manhood. Some shows won't allow them to perform after they've become women, as they won't technically be ladyboys anymore. This rule, however, is not strictly enforced - especially if a performer is a hot favourite with the audience. As a result, Bangkok boasts some of the most famous and fabulous ladyboy shows in the world. These cabaret-like shows pay tribute to the creme de la creme of the female persona; from Hollywood glam and disco diva to mythical creatures and legends of the Orient, in shows that feature spectacular extravaganza-type sets and costumes. To add some fun, comedy skits are normally thrown in too.
These fascinating and highly artistic performers captivate audiences with their charm, unique creativity and flawless female impersonations. A ladyboy show promises an evening of polished and most enjoyable entertainment for the whole family.

Koh Phangan

Haad Rin

Haad Rin is the home of the Full Moon party and for some people this is the only part of the island they will ever see. As you would expect there are plenty of bars and some of the best are right on the beach. There are also many Koh Phangan accommodation in this area, but be sure to book early if you are coming for the full moon party as they fill up fast. The most celebrated drink in Haad Rin is the bucket; this is made up of vodka, red bull, coke, and sometimes a lot more as well. Haad Rin once had a reputation as an easy place to buy illegal substances, the Thai police are serious about changing this – penalties for tourists caught with banned products can be severe. As well as full-moon parties they also celebrate half-moon as well. Even when there is no real event you are always sure to find a party at Haad Rin.


Haad Yao

This is usually considered the most beautiful beach in Koh Phangan and with good reason. Most people are quite taken aback by the beauty when they first visit. There are plenty of beach activities on Haad Yao, but most people prefer to just soak up the sun. There are a few nice restaurants and bars locally but if you really want to party you will be best heading to Haad Rin or Thong Sala.
Thong Sala
A lot of visitors only see Thong Sala on arrival and departure. This is a pity because it really is a funky little town with a great atmosphere. Tesco-Lotus opened here a few years ago and many saw this as the end of the world; the town has remained much the same though. Some tourists see boycotting Tesco in Thong Sala as a way of boosting their standing as ‘real’ backpackers.

Tong Nai Pan

Tong Nai Pan is made up of two beaches; Tong Nai Pan Yai is the longest (Yai means big in Thai) and Tong Nai Pan Noi is a smaller stretch of beach. The two are separated by a headland but you can go from one beach to the other if you have the energy for a bit of a hike. This part of the island has probably been the least spoiled in recent years, and you will probably want to go here for the cheapest Phangan accommodation. Tong Nai Pan is the area where backpackers once boasted of being able to live for less than a $1 a day. You will meet plenty of tourists who come back every year so expect plenty of stories of how things used to be before it went commercial. This area will appeal to those types of people who like to think of themselves as travelers rather than tourists.

Chalok Lam

Chalok Lam is a great place to choose if you want to spend days lying on the beach and the evenings in nice restaurants and bars; people do party here but in a much more sedate way than in Haad Rin. This is still an area where fishing is important but tourism has meant that most people now make their living from visitors. Staying on this part of Koh Phangan can feel like being on a completely separate island; this is due to the fact that you mostly have mountains between the beach and the rest of Phangan. People staying here tend to take up residence on a part of 3 kilometer beach during the day, walk along the shoreline at sunset, before heading to the village (which is now nearing the size of a town) in the evenings.