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Thursday, June 5, 2008

Hat Chao Mai National Park

This area, which was proclaimed a marine national park on 14 October 1982, covers the 2 districts of Kantang and Sikao. The park headquarters is situated at Chang Lang Beach in Tambon Mai Fat, approximately 47 kilometers from the city.Hat Chao Mai has a 20-kilometer coastline and a 5-kilometer long white sandy beach which is set against shady casuarinas and limestone hills with caves. Most caves are of historical importance as prehistoric human remains are found.Land-based attractions of the park are Pak Meng Beach, Chang Lang Beach, San Beach, Yao Beach, Yong Ling Beach, Chao Mai Beach, and Chao Mai Cave. All are easily accessible by car. Moreover, there are 7 other islands for which the park is responsible. They are Ko Muk, Ko Kradan, Ko Chueak, Ko Pling, Ko Waen, Ko Meng, and Ko Chao Mai. The park also features the Marine Natural Study Center (tel. 0-7521-0664) and the Tourist Service Center.
In the national park, endangered dugong can be spotted along with rare black-necked stork. More common wildlife includes macaques, languors, wild pigs, pangolins, pacific-reef egrets, etc.
Accommodations are available on the island. For more details, please contact the National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, tel. 0-2561-2920 - 1 or Hat Chao Mai National Park, Mu 5, Tambon Mai Fat, Amphoe Sikao, Trang, P.O. Box 9, tel. 0-7521- 0099. Admission fee to the national park is 200 bahts / person.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Surat Thani

The largest province of the South located 685 kilometers from Bangkok is Surat Thani the province with a name that literally means "City of the Good People". A former capital of the Srivijaya Empire, the province covers an area of approximately 12,891 square kilometers.

Surat Thani Province borders the Gulf of Thailand to the north and east, Chumphon Province to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi Provinces to the south, Phang-Nga and Ranong Provinces to the west and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the east.High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.

Chumphon


Chumphon is a sea coast city parallel to the Gulf of Thailand. It is the gateway to other southern provinces. Along more than 200 kilometres of Chumphons seashore, there are many beautiful and picturesque beaches. Still maintaining the natural beauty, the province is best for those who seek relaxation in the natural and uniquely quiet atmosphere.Historical documents state that Chumphon was continuously the locations of many communities since the pre-historic period, especially in the area near Tha Taphao River banks. Chumphon was also one of the leading trading centers of Siam (former name of Thailand).Due to being the frontier city, the name Chumphon is believed to derive from Chumnumphon, which means the accumulation of forces. Whenever there were movements from the army, the soldiers would gather their forces here at this province.The other source believed that it should be derived from a local plant named Maduea Chumphon due to its richness in this area. Therefore, naturally, this plant has become a symbol of the logo of Chumphon. Source: http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Rayong


Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast – Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings.

Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.Covering a total area of 3,552 square kilometers, Rayong borders Chonburi Province on the north and the west, the Gulf of Thailand on the south, and Chantaburi Province on the east.

Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations. Administratively, the province is divided into Mueang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana Sub-districts.Boasting indispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Bandar Seri Begawan 1955

This is Bandar Seri Begawan in the mid 1950s. I like looking at old photographs. It's not because I want to live in the past. But by looking at old photographs only can we see the physical development of Brunei.This 1956 photograph is interesting. This is taken out of the State of Brunei Development Report January 1956, just before Brunei first launched its 1st RKN or 1st National Development

Monday, June 2, 2008

More What Happens Next?

More photographs for you to consider what happens next to the characters in the following photographs.

What happens next?

The following photographs are nothing with Brunei. But I like them when I received them yesterday and I thought I will share them with you all. I supposed the quiz would be - what do you think will happen next - for each of the following photographs?

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