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The Thai cabinet approved recently golf quarantine to boost tourism in Thailand. Allowing golf quarantine is essential to let those who wish to pass their quarantine time on the golf course. Rules and regulations for safety are in place. Thus, this is the significant step for Thailand to open the country for international tourists who do not wish to stay in a single room or area for several days. The 6 golf courses have now been certified by the health department as alternative state quarantines for Thailand. The 15 days (14 nights)* quarantine time remains. Golfers will have to stay at the golf resort and cannot leave. They can only go out to play golf. The golf courses will be closed for the public and serve as state alternative quarantine only. Mida Golf Club (Kanchanaburi) Sawang Golf Club (Cha-am) Blue Star Golf Course (Kanchanaburi) Evergreen Hills Golf Club & Resort (Kanchanaburi) Artitaya Chiang Mai Golf Resort (near Chiang Mai) Artitaya Country Club (Nakorn Nayok) What is golf quarantine? A 15-days or 14 nights* quarantine in a certified golf course. A quick PCR-test will be conducted on the arrival day. The result will come out within 24 hours. If the test shows a negative result, the golfer can play golf on the next day. If the result is positive, the infectious golfer must be transferred to the contracted hospital and all members of the group must be under surveillance quarantine. The golfers will be tested about 3 times during the quarantine period. Enjoy up to 14 golf rounds (18 holes / round) during the quarantine period. Is it safe? The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand will examine the golf course’s health safety management plan and will do an on site inspection to check the entire system before giving out the certification. The transfer from the airport to the golf course must be in a closed system, meaning no stopping on the way to the golf course. In addition, the driver must pass Covid-free testing and the bus is sanitized. The golf course must have a contracted hospital to provide PCR tests for the golfers and their companions as well as to take care of the infected cases. All staff at the golf course must stay in the golf course. They are not allowed contacting outsiders nor going out of the golf resort. They will be quarantined as well as the golfers. Thus all the measurements and steps taken are to ensure the safety and well-being of international golfers who would like to enjoy their golf games in Thailand. Travel without visas Thailand has allowed foreigners to enter the country by air under the Visa Exemption program. Travellers can travel without obtaining a visa and can stay up to 45 days. The travellers need a certificate to show they are free of Covid-19 72 hours before travel. They must obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE), provide health insurance covering covid-19 and undergo the mandatory quarantine. Check the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country for updates on the visas and Certificate of Entry (COE) process. As of today (2020-01-20), In the Nordic countries, only Finland and Iceland are allowed to enter the kingdom. The list of countries that can travel to Thailand will be updated twice a month. The Royal Thai Embassy in Sweden The Royal Thai Embassy in Denmark The Royal Thai Embassy in Norway The Royal Thai Embassy in Finland After the quarantine period, golfers can enjoy playing golf anywhere in Thailand. It is easier to book tee time and enjoy the golf games and beautiful nature while there are fewer tourists in Thailand. For more information about golf quarantine, please visit www.golfquarantine.com Contact persons for more information and reservation Golf Digg, golfquarantine@golfdigg.com Pro Golf in Thailand, Juha-Matti “Juhis” Vuorinen, juhamatti_vuorinen@hotmail.com Remarks *The arrival day counts as day 0.

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The 10 recommended restaurants

The 10 recommended Michelin Guide restaurants in Thailand

The 10 recommended Michelin Guide restaurants in Thailand 10 unique restaurants for Thai authenticity you can’t miss. Aside from the beautiful world-famous beaches, the lively nightlife, and those unforgettable hospitalities, Thailand has another heritage inside the country which has attracted people from over the world to visit Thailand. Obviously, we are talking about Thai food. Thailand is the country with abundant of the delicious dishes, and the best thing is it is available everywhere all time! From the street food, probably unknown by even locals, to the fine dining level. And now, we are about to take you on a journey of excellence culinary guaranteed by Michelin stars. These 10 places in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket will definitely impress you and answer why Thai cuisine has proudly been one of the choices among the world’s famous cuisines. 1. Jay Oh Chula – Bangkok: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Located at the heart of Bangkok only a 10-minute drive from Siam area, Jay Oh has been a part of the street foods with very outstanding vibes from its area. The venue is simple with two air-conditioned rooms in the neighborhood, the place is always packed with people who look for food to eat, especially the under-graduated students from the university nearby. Highly recommended, we are deeply in love with the deep-fried pork neck, spicy salmon, and the amazing crispy pork that beat all the other crispy pork we’ve tasted before. The place opens at 5:00 p.m. but make sure to come earlier as it is always packed here. Price range: 200 – 400 THB Location: 113 Charat Mueang Alley, Rong Muang, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330 click here Opening hour: Mon. – Son: 17.30 – 01.00 2. Sorn – Bangkok: Two MICHELIN Stars As one of the five places which is awarded the two-Michelin stars in Bangkok, Sorn is offering only an exceptional 22-course fine-dining meal. The brand image as “Experience of fine Southern cuisine”, offering only the finest and well selected ingredients, including preparing fresh meal with heart every day. The Gems on crab stick is the star of the course, but other dishes are as impressive as well. The confirmed reservation is highly recommended as the waiting list is normally up to 3 months. Price range: 3,500 THB Location: 56, Soi Sukumvit 26 Khlong Tan Nuea, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 click here Opening hour: Mon: closed, Tue-Fri: 18.00-23.00, Sat-Son: 12.00-14.00 and 18.00-23.00 3. Jay Fai – Bangkok: One MICHELIN Star A much-discussed Bangkok’s street food is Jay Fai, this place has attracted the food lovers from all over the world. Jay Fai is considered the iron lady, standing in front of the stoves with big glasses on her face, cooking delicious dishes for many decades. Without the doubt, the queue here is super long, and you might be able to make new friends there with both local and people from all over the world as it is the most popular dinner destination for everyone nowadays and thanks to that Netflix’s street food documentary. Aside from the crab omelette and the dry Tom-Yum-Goong which are the highlighted menus here, Jay Fai cooks every other dish by herself with top class level as well. Price range: 300 – 1,500 THB Location: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200 click here Opening hour: Mon-Tue: closed, Wed-Son: 10.00-22.00 4. Kiew Kai Ka – Bangkok: MICHELIN Plate With very impressive decoration with hardwood tables and the fresh feeling of painting in green color. This place is considered the most relaxing restaurant in Bangkok, offering traditional and local cuisines cooked with only the best ingredients. The restaurant is led by the famous Chef Nuttawut Nuntakam, the rare dishes such as grilled duck in red curry with fresh fruits or Thai spicy shrimp relish will never disappoint even all the pickiest eaters. Price range: 300 – 600 THB Location: 33 Nak Niwat Rd, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10230 click here Opening hour: Mon-Son: 11.00-22.00 5. Huen Muan Jai – Chiang Mai: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Step into this traditional Northern Thai wooden house and experience the true taste of Northern recipes. While many people might find authentic Northern dishes to be quite simple to find, this place offers up to 100 of food selections. This restaurant has been popular among locals and tourists because it is run by several famous chefs from the TV program, “the Iron Chef Thailand” So, do not hesitate to order the traditional Northern-style hors d’oeuvres to spoil yourself in the complexity of the flavors. And then, the main course dishes like Laab Moo Kua and Gang Hunglay which are rich in aroma and taste and you will always want to come back again. Price range: 150 – 500 THB Location: 24 Ratchaphuek Alley, Chang Phueak Sub-district, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300 click here Opening hour: Mon-Tue: 11.00-21.00, Wed: closed, and Thu-Son: 11.00-21.00 6. Guay Tiew Pet Tun Saraphi – Chiang Mai: MICHELIN Plate Chiangmai is also one of the cities that is full of street food. Many places are always packed and Guay Tiew Pet Tun Saraphi is one of them. This place is one of the most successful restaurants in Chiang Mai with a wide selection of dishes, ranging from the chicken rice to the barbecue pork, it makes this place never had empty tables. The Slow-cooked duck here has been widely said to be the juiciest, softest, and most aromatic in the province. Price range: 40 – 45 THB Location: 80 Moo 3, Railway Road, Saraphi, Chiang Mai, 50140 click here Opening hour: Mon-Son: 9.00-16.00 7. Kao Soy Nimman- Chiang Mai: MICHELIN Plate Kao Soy is the name of the food as well as the name of the restaurant. The word “Nimman” is the name of the area. As one of the busiest places in Chiang Mai, this restaurant has been in the don’t-miss list of the visitors from all over the world for many decades. Located at the heart of the city, we enjoy the...

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The 10 recommended restaurants

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Golfing while staying in quarantine in Thailand now the reality

Happy New Year 2021 best wishes to the world

IT’s the beginning of a brand-new year.May 2021 be a year of Happiness… A year of great health…And also a year of smile… Wishing you a very Happy New YearUntil, we meet again. Amazing Thailand #amazingthailand

Thai Massaman curry topped “The World’s 50 Best Foods,” CNN Travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that CNN Travel has placed Thai Massaman curry as the No. 1 dish in “The World’s 50 Best Foods list, along with Tom Yum Kung in the eighth place and Som Tam papaya salad, which ranked at 46th. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “This listing is a testament to the already solid reputation of Thai cuisine that is increasingly perceived as a world-class culinary experience. Thailand is certainly a great destination for foodie tourism. “Once the COVID-19 situation improves, we are more than ready to welcome tourists and foodies from around the world to embark on a culinary journey and explore Thainess through Thai dishes in unique destinations across Thailand.”The CNN Travel World’s 50 Best Foods list was published since 2017 and have been updated ever since. CNN Travel staff said that they had scoured the planet for what they thought were 50 of the most delicious foods ever created. The three Thai dishes were ranked and described as follows: Massaman curry, 1st place: Emphatically the king of curries, and perhaps the king of all foods. Spicy, coconutty, sweet and savoury. Even the packet sauce you buy from the supermarket can make the most delinquent of cooks look like a Michelin potential. Thankfully, someone invented rice, with which diners can mop up the last drizzles of curry sauce. “The Land of Smiles” isn’t just a marketing catch-line. It’s a result of being born in a land where the world’s most delicious food is sold on nearly every street corner. Tom Yum Kung, 8th place: This best food Thai masterpiece teems with shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Usually loaded with coconut milk and cream, the hearty soup unifies a host of favourite Thai tastes: sour, salty, spicy and sweet. Best of all is the price: cheap. Som Tam papaya salad, 46th place: To prepare Thailand’s most famous salad, pound garlic and chilies with a mortar and pestle. Toss in tamarind juice, fish sauce, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, lime juice, sugar cane paste, string beans and a handful of grated green papaya. Grab a side of sticky rice. Variations include those made with crab (som tam pu) and fermented fish sauce (som tam pla ra), but none matches the original’s flavour and simple beauty. For more information click here

Thailand starts reopening the country

Thailand is beginning cautiously its first step in reopening the country for international visitors

Chiang Khan and Nan Old City listed among the “2020 Sustainable Top 100 Destinations”

TAT introduces “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” certification

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the public and private sector partners, is introducing an “Amazing Thailand Safety and HealthAdministration: SHA” certification aimed at elevating the country’s tourism industry standards and developing confidence among international and domestic tourists. The project is part of TAT’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis and accelerate recovery in the travel and tourism sector. The Amazing Thailand SHA certification is to prepare Thai tourism operators to be ready for the return of tourism post COVID-19. TAT is currently working on details of the Amazing Thailand SHA certification together with the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Board of Trade of Thailand, Federation of Thai Spa and Wellness Association, Thai Retailers Association, Thai Hotels Association, Association of Domestic Travel, Thai Amusement and Leisure Park Association, Thai Restaurant Association, Thai Spa Association, Thai Boats Association, and Event Management Association. Works in the process include establishing the SHA criteria, introducing the committee, preparing the application and selection process, and planning marketing and publicity for the SHA-certified tourism establishments and services. The evaluation methods and methodology of assessment for tourism establishments and services to be certified with the Amazing Thailand SHA certification will cover five key areas. Tourism establishments and services must strictly follow the COVID-19 control guidelines by the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. The safety of attractions and facilities with development plans or operation procedures that focus on ensuring tourist safety while maintaining local culture and promoting interaction between local communities and tourists. Hygiene and sanitation in tourism establishments and services; such as, homestays, lodges, souvenir shops and restaurants. Convenience, cleanliness, and safety of linkages between communities and attractions, as well as the safety and health standards of transportation, including private cars, public buses, and airlines. The confidence in tourism personnel in tourism establishments, including tourist safety and security protocol For more information click here

Fifteen Thai villages conferred first Thailand Rural Tourism Awards 2020

Fifteen village communities nationwide have become the first recipients of the Thailand Rural Tourism Award 2020 launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to help the villages attract visitors and create jobs in the rural areas. Bangkok, 28 September 2020 – Fifteen village communities nationwide have become the first recipients of the Thailand Rural Tourism Award 2020 launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to help the villages attract visitors and create jobs in the rural areas. Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana presided over the royal awards ceremony on 27 September, World Tourism Day, at the Grand Hall, The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said the inaugural awards were the result of very successful cooperation between more than 40 organisations, including government agencies, educational institutions, the private sector and the mass media. These included the Community Development Department, Department of Tourism, Department of Cultural Promotion, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department Of Industrial Promotion, Cooperative Promotion Department, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism (DASTA), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), National Village and Urban Community Fund Office, Government Savings Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Cooperatives, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), public universities, travel agents, and tourism associations totalling 40 agencies. He congratulated all the winners and also praised the many other tourism villages for their ongoing efforts to raise their standards and maintain the product quality, which reflect their own identity of community and the beautiful nature drawing the tourists to visit. TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said that all communities underwent a very strict selection process and were judged by a panel of experts based on a voting formula of 70% committee members and 30% media representatives. The winners received a plaque from Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana. All of the 15 awarded villages will be provided with sales and marketing support. They are divided into five categories including: 1. Best Creative Experience Village: Winner: Ban Chiang Cultural Tourism Community in Udon Thani Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Laem Homestay Mangrove Forest Conservation Group Enterprise (Na Thap House) in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Hat Som Paen Community-based Tourism Group in Ranong Province 2. Best Agro-tourism Village: Winner: Ban Huai Hom Community-based Tourism in Mae Hong Son Province 1st Runner-up: Wang Nam Khiao Agricultural Tourism Community Enterprise Group in Nakhon Ratchasima Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Nong San Community-based Tourism in Sakon Nakhon Province 3. Best Homestay: Winner: Ban Tha Khanthong Homestay in Chiang Rai Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Mae Kampong Ecotourism Village in Chiang Mai Province 2nd Runner-up: Bo Hin Farm Stay (a community enterprise to raise fish) in Trang Province 4. Best Responsible Tourism: Winner: Ban Thung Yipeng Ecotourism Community Enterprise in Krabi Province 1st Runner-up: Sappaya Old Police Station Market Community in Chainat Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Khao Lak (Rafting Community Enterprise) in Trang Province 5. Best for Company Outing: Winner: Ban Rim Klong Homestay in Samut Songkhram Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Tham Suea Homestay in Phetchaburi Province 2nd Runner-up: Takhian Tia Community in Chon Buri Province In addition, the project includes opportunities for those interested to win awards for packaging, promoting, and selling the tourism villages via online channels. The winner is those who can sell the maximum number of vouchers. The list of the winning teams are as follows: Winner: Ban Khao Lak (Rafting Community Enterprise) in Trang Province 1st Runner-up: Ban Tham Suea Homestay in Phetchaburi Province 2nd Runner-up: Ban Tha Khanthong Homestay in Chiang Rai Province 3rd Runner-up: Ban Laem Homestay Mangrove Forest Conservation Group Enterprise (Na Thap House) in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province 4th Runner-up: Prasae Homestay in Rayong Province With the highest total scores of all categories, this made Ban Tha Khanthong Homestay in Chiang Rai Province receive the Best of Thailand Rural Tourism Award 2020. Mr Yuthasak said, “This will maximise the publicity and promotional exposure for the villages, build confidence amongst potential visitors, and improve the brand image of Thai tourism in preparation for the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. It is in line with our overall emphasis on aligning the benefits of tourism with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” Contact InformationInternational Public Relations DivisionTourism Authority of ThailandTel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.thWebsite: www.tatnews.orgFacebook: TATNews.org

The 5 best Islands in Thailand

The 5 worth-exploring Islands in Thailand

The 5 worth-exploring Islands in Thailand 5 paradise islands in Thailand that truly fulfill your holiday. Imagine the warm temperature from the ocean that you feel on your face with the gentle sounds of the waves that flow into the beach to greet the white sand. We could not ask for more, such paradise that exists, and your imagination just comes true. At this point, these wonderful beaches and natures have a lot to offer more than we could imagine. Most people always know that there are famous paradise islands to visit and explore, but we would like to take you to another level of this journey. There are 5 worth-exploring islands or the hidden gems that you should not miss. 1. Koh Kut (Kut Island) If your ideal getaway experiences are to be in the calm environment, we bet, you cannot seem to decide whether it is beaches, forests, or waterfalls you are looking for. Koh Kut can offer a great combination of the of nature, tropical weather, and the calm atmosphere. Koh Kut is one of the wisest choices for all island lovers. As the fourth-largest island in Thailand, it is located in Trat Province, only a little further east from Bangkok. While the island is known for its beautiful beaches, there are also natural waterfalls, canals, and mangrove forest that the community has been carefully preserving. Despite the island’s untouched nature and quietness, the small Fishing Village can still enlighten you the full glimpse of the locals’ way of living. You can also easily visit many beaches along the west and south coast for sightseeing and adventurous activities. Location: click here 2. Koh Mak Another worth-exploring island in Trat province is Koh Mak, also known as Koh Maak. Surprisingly, the island is still infamous among both local and foreig visitors. It is like Koh Kut where it is not overly crowded, the peaceful can still remain even during the high season. The island is also a home for coconut and rubber plantations. The visitor can get closer with the local lifestyle. It is different from what you would expect from Phuket or Pattaya, Koh Mak is primed for its relaxing, surrounded by small restaurants and resorts. Sailing along the coasts are very impressive and you will never get over. Location: click here 3. Koh Phayam Another untouched island that deserves so much of a spotlight is Koh Phayam or Phayam Island. Two hours away from Ranong Pier by boat in Southern Thailand, the island hosts the stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear water to impress the visitors. One of the most admiring things for this island which the community here takes to their pride is the electricity which is generated by solar energy. The island is best known among the locals and visitors for its white sand along the coastline. The visitors can get to the feeling of the quietness and purity of the sea breeze while also having a chance to enjoy the forest along the island. The fun activities like jungle trekking, surfing, snorkeling and diving are the absolute must. It is also common for the tourists to do some beach hopping or scooter touring to explore the island and beaches. Location: click here 4. Koh Phangan Koh Phagan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island, is still not too crowded. It is another worth-exploring destination for the beach lovers. Phangan Island is mostly accessed by ferries from the mainland Surat Thani province in Southern Thailand. There are also the ferries from Chumphon and Koh Samui as the alternative ways too. Phangan Island is also famous from offering a real Full Moon Party, arranged according to the moon calendar. The visitors have the same ideal when visiting this island is to get the best of both party and serenity. Koh Phangan is here to give you just that. The visitors can get around the island by the hired pickup trucks or private taxis. For more adventurous, there are also rental jeeps and motorcycles available to rent. However, all the fun comes with environmental responsibilities; Phangan island has recently been seriously making eco-tourism and environmental sustainability mission. The island has been able to treasure its nature-given paradise and sustain its nature in such an impressive way. Location: click here 5.Koh Samae San Another excellent destination for any visitors for a one-day trip is Koh Samae San. This island is not far from Bangkok. This island is one of the nine islands under the plants preservation project, under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthon. This island is the biggest island among the 9 islands. That is the reason why it is opened for visiting to travel and study about the nature. The objective of the project is to encourage people to think about the nature and preserve the nature in the long term. Moreover, the island also offers many relaxing activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking around under the management of The Royal Thai Navy. Location: click here

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