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Chaing Mai is the 2nd World Best Destination 2010
Bangkok T+L’s World’s Best City … the why’s and how’s

Matt Leppard 15 July 2010 3 comments

“Bangkok regained the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey, announced last week, closely followed by Chiang Mai in the second. Meanwhile, 10 Asian hotels are placed in the top 100 hotels in the world, with Peninsula Bangkok (named as Asia’s number 1 city hotel) coming in at number 7 and Four Seasons Singapore at 14. Other Asian properties placed in the list’s top 50 include Shangri-La Singapore at number 20, the Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai (27), the Hotel de la Paix in Cambodia (29) and the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, also in Chiang Mai (45).

wbAlso scoring highly in the poll, voted for by readers of all six editions of Travel + Leisure, are Singapore Airlines (Top International Airline) and Bali (Top Asian Island and fourth in the Top Islands Overall category).”

The above is culled from our own T+L SEA press release, but it doesn’t delve into how Bangkok won, what it means, and how it should be interpreted. Some of the livelier forums, at least here in Bangkok, have been buzzing about this “honor,” with many users complaining that it’s inaccurate at best.

This is wrong-headed thinking, although it’s clear that some confusion has arisen as to the nature of the results. Well, it is what it is, to be honest. First off, the poll—accessible online by readers of the U.S. and international editions of T+L under stringent U.S. survey/polling regulations—is a reader survey (not a dubiously subjective editors’ opinion piece) of global travelers’ favorites.

In the Best City category, readers were asked to rate sights, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping, and value. It is not any sort of “livability” index, or any other imaginative interpretation of “World’s Best City.” It was also conducted from December 2009-March 2010, before the recent problems in Bangkok kicked off.

That said, the strong showing of Asian properties and destinations is really no surprise. Asia, and particularly Southeast Asia, continues to offer some of the most attractive world-class properties, located in such varied locations as exotic rain forests, vibrant cities, and even on water; with such a choice, Southeast Asia will remain one of the world’s most popular regions.

In addition, the fact that Bangkok has been voted in the top spot this year, as it was in 2008, is testament not only to the myriad attractions on offer and the variety of top-drawer hotels, but also to the Thai people and culture, both of which bring so much joy to travelers. My hope is that this win will further boost Bangkok tourism recovery efforts, which all of us are committed to.

The full results will be published in the August edition of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, out August 1.
Chiang Mai is 1 of 8 Great Places to Retire You've Never Heard Of
Sponsored by
by Laura Cohn
Friday, June 4, 2010provided by
Worries about the stock market are leading some Americans to look outside U.S. borders for inexpensive places to retire. In many cases, retiring abroad offers the added draw of warmer weather, a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life. Whether it's South America, Europe or Southeast Asia, a number of destinations offer Americans the ability to stretch their dollars and still live the dolce vita.

Calitri, Italy
• Population: 5,685
• Climate: Mild, averaging 50 degrees Fahrenheit in winter months and 90 degrees in summer months.
• Proximity to water: Located in the center of southern Italy, Calitri is about 75 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.
• Proximity to major airport: It's about 80 miles to Naples International Airport (NAP).

The Draw: This town in southern Italy offers scenic vistas and low-cost real estate, and it's close to the Amalfi Coast.

Tip: As a retiree with a residency visa, you may be able to gain access to the country's national health-care system. But many expatriates prefer to buy their own health insurance because private hospitals tend to be more upscale than their state-run counterparts.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Population: 1.6 million in the province; 250,000 in the city.
• Climate: Tropical; from March to May, temperatures reach 100 degrees; average high for the year is 89 degrees and the average low is 68 degrees; dry season typically runs from mid November to early May.
• Proximity to water: The Ping River runs through the city, but otherwise it's landlocked.
• Proximity to major airport: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is less than ten minutes from the city center.

The Draw: Far from the civil unrest in Bangkok, this city in northern Thailand offers cooler temperatures and a calmer environment. Renowned as a medical-tourism destination, it is home to an ample supply of private hospitals, state-run clinics and full-service pharmacies that provide high-quality health care at bargain prices.

Tip: As an outsider, you cannot own land in Thailand without a local partner -- but you can buy a condo or an apartment.
Coronado, Panama
• Population: While Panama's population is about 3 million, one estimate puts Coronado's population at about 2,500.
• Climate: Tropical, with daytime temperatures between 85 to 90 degrees.
• Proximity to water: Right on the Pacific Ocean.
• Proximity to major airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is about 65 miles away.

The Draw: Just over an hour's drive from Panama City, this beachfront town hosts gated retirement communities, a low cost of living and inexpensive medical care.

Tip: As a U.S. retiree, you may be able to participate in Panama's generous pensionado program, which offers discounts on airline tickets, doctor bills, hotel stays, movie tickets and cultural events.
Cuenca, Ecuador
• Population: 467,000 (618,000 metro area)
• Climate: Mild with an average temperature of 58 degrees; dry season falls between June and December.
• Proximity to water: Four rivers, including the Rio Tomebamba, run through Cuenca. The Pacific Ocean is the closest major body of water, but it's not nearby.
• Proximity to major airport: Aeropuerto Mariscal LaMar (CUE) is about a mile from downtown.

The Draw: Ecuador's third-largest city offers low-cost living, inexpensive real estate and affordable health care. And as a foreign retiree, you can get special benefits, such as discounts on utilities, public transportation and cultural events.

Tip: The U.S. dollar is the country's currency.
Lets join " Chiang Mai Big Cleaning Day"
On The World Environment Day)
5 June 2010 @ Three Kings Monument.
10.00 -12.00 A.M.
Chiang Mai Friends Group : May Meeting

Dear members and friends,

The coming meeting will be on Wednesday May 26 at the Gymkhana Club
We start with the dinner at 5.30 p.m. cost 250 Baht per person. Meeting only cost 80 Baht
The meeting starts at 6.45 p.m. With the very interesting speaker, Major Roy Hudson, who has lived in Chiang Mai for 50 years.
Roy Hudson.
Born in Buenos Aires in 1919, and went to school in England. He joined the Territorial Army (Royal Engineer) on Munich Day, and was called up for the second time a year later to defend the Isle of Wight. Having successfully achieved this task, he was granted a commission, and in 1941 left for India, where he joined the Poona Club.
Lieutenant Hudson was intimately involved in the battles of the Sittang River, the Yenangyaung oil-fields,and Monywa , before skillfully extricating himself to the safety of India once more. For this feat he was made a Captain . Subsequently, he was promoted to command the Nawab’s forces in the field in the Arakan Yomas in Burma, until he returned to England for a well-deserved leave in 1945. Anxious to finish off the war in the Far East, he set sail in the “Monarch of Bermuda” for Bombay . The Hiroshima bomb forestalled him, but nevertheless he pushed on to Bangkok , where he established his main HQ in Si Ayutthaya Road , with a forward HQ at the Cathay Cabaret (now the site of the National Lottery Bureau).His namee was “Mentioned in Dispatches”
After the war, Major Hudson recuperated from his war efforts with long spells of army duty in such rest centers as Singapore, Malaya, Hong Kong and Nepal and received the Commander in –Chief s certificate for devotion to duty. In 1950 he was awarded the Territorial Decoration. He formed an attachment for Southeast Asia, its peoples and way of life .On leaving the army he settled in Chiang Mai where he has lived for the last fifty years.

In the meeting, we will discuss in our Green Chiang Mai Projects.
Friends News :
· Chiang Mai Friends Group need to have volunteer teaching English to the kids age 7-14 years old. These kids are cultural performers. Please contact Khun Nid :chiangmaifriends@gmail.com Tel : 053 206121
· Prince Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai offer “Value-added Upgrade Program” valid Now thru 31 Oct 2010
Minimum 3 nights stay booking for Superior room, receive complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Room with pool access and complimentary mini bar. www.princekhumphayaresortandspa.com

· Tourist Police Chiang Mai welcome foreigner volunteer. Please view the application form as the file attached. For more info, please contact champ6129@gmail.com Tel : 081-8818161
For other important local updates, events and news, please visit www.city-now.com
Please confirm you attending by 24 MAY 10 at email : chiangmaifriend@gmail.com or call Khun Nid 053 206121

Sincere regards,
Boong Chaladlam
President.
Topic: Chiang mai Sundowners
Date: 21/5/2010 - 21/5/2010
Location: U Hotel Rachadamoen Road
Contact: execdirector@austchamthailand.com
Type of event: Events in Chiang Mai
Sub event: Other
Description: The first AustCham Thailand Chiang mai Sundowners at U hotel by the Poolside on Friday May 21. From 6pm until 9pm. Netwroking function for members of the Chiang mai Community to network and socialize along with AustCham members and Board from Bangkok. Entrance 350 baht per person. To book this event on line, please click on the automatic link: www.austchamthailand.com/atcc/asp/eventdetail.asp?EventID=1353&SponsorID=867
The Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) together with the U.S. Consulate are having an upcoming event on the 4th of July
Please view the website

http://www.4julychiangmai.com
Property stimulus measures extended
The cabinet has agreed to extend tax incentive measures to stimulus the property development sector, which will end on March 28, for another two months, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday afternoon.

“The decision was made on ground that about 10,000 people who had bought their homes might not be able to transfer their property right before expire date of the tax incentive measures”, Mr Abhisit stated.

After the expiration of the measures, the rate of special business tax would return to 3.3 per cent from the current 0.11 per cent. The property right transfer fee would be 2 per cent from 0.01 per cent.

Previously, the cabinet had decided not to extend the tax incentive measures because it was proven that the property developers’ profit had substantially increased, and that even if there was no extension of the stimulus measures, the property sector would still improve in line with the recovering economy.

Bangkok Post.
CHIANG MAI FRIENDS’ GROUP March 2010 Meeting

CHIANG MAI FRIENDS’ GROUP
WED 24th March 2010 Meeting


Dear Members and Friends

Our upcoming meeting of Chiang Mai Friends Group will be held on Wednesday, MAR 24th 2010 at the Imm Hotel , Mueang Chiang Mai, Sri Phum, Chiang Mai 50200 Tel : 053-276 388. http://www.immhotel.com/eco-location.html

This month’s meeting will include a very interesting and awareness raising topic. Hand to Paw Paw Temple Dog Food by Julia Simhony, International School Student and friends.


Our speaker’s mission is to contribute to a peaceful working solution to this long time humane conflict. During the talk, a worldview and more information on the subject will be shared with all our members.

We start as usual with our Friends Dinner at 5.30 p.m, costing 250 baht per person. The cost for the meeting only, with coffee and desert provided, will be 120 baht as usual.
This month’s dinner menu will be as follows:-

This month’s Agenda

A welcome to special guests and members new and old.
Friends Talk : “Hand to Paw Paw Temple Dog Food by Julia Simhony Jessica Pfotenhauer and friends
The 8th Charity Musical Dance Play “Sleeping Beauty 2010
Date: 28 March 2010
Location: Kad Theatre in Chiang Mai


Thai Airways International PLC., Paradise Direct Vacations Chiang Mai Ballet Academy and the Charity Committee have organised the 8th Charity Musical Dance Play “Sleeping Beauty 2010” at the Kad Theatre in Chiang Mai on Sunday, March 28th, 2010. Show times are 13.30 hrs. and 19.00 hrs. Enjoy varieties style of musics of dances i.e. classical ballet, modern, jazz, Latin dance, Hip Hop, Flamenco. Ticket prices at Baht 1,000, 800, 500, 300, 200 and with special group rate for students. Tickets are available at Rimping Superstore, Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Complex and at the Chiang Mai Ballet Academy Tel 089-6352586, 089-7885307 and 053-260373
CHIANG MAI FRIENDS’ GROUP February 2010 Meeting
Dear Members and Friends,

Our upcoming meeting of Chiang Mai Friends Group will be held on Wednesday, FEB 24th 2010 at the 'GIRASOLE' by La Gondola, Kad Klang Vieng Plaza Rachadamnoen Mueang Chiang Mai, Sri Phum, Chiang Mai 50200 Tel : 053-276 388. (Please see the attached map for exact location details.)

This month’s meeting will include a very interesting and awareness raising topic. Shannon Morrow, Nitradee and Tim McGuire who are helping the unfortunate kids at Mae Na Village. will speak to us about, "How can they live on 10 Baht a day?"
Our speaker’s mission is to contribute to a peaceful working solution to this long time humane conflict. During the talk, a worldview and more information on the subject will be shared with all our members.
We start as usual with our Friends Dinner at 5.30 p.m, costing 250 baht per person. The cost for the meeting only, with coffee and desert provided, will be 120 baht as usual.
This month’s dinner menu will be as follows:-

This month’s Agenda

1. A welcome to special guests and members new and old.
2. Friends Talk : “The presentation of Maena Village. By Shannon Morrow, Jong and Tim Tim McGuire.
• There are approximately 140 children.
• Most are Lisau hill tribe.
• About 1/3 are orphans and the rest are from poor families.
• They receive only 10 baht per day, per child from the government and only for 200 days per year.
3. A short report on the last meeting and associated events since then.
4. Friends News.
Sydney Moss will share his efforts to solicit sponsors and/or donors to help fund this student centered music talent competition and your support is appreciated and welcomed.
Songs of Memory Exhibition
Best wishes to you all,
At long last, the Songs of Memory exhibition is coming home. On Friday, 12 February, a multi-media exhibit of tribal musical instruments, clothing, photos and documentary films will be launched at the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre (the fabulous museum behind the 3 Kings Monument).
Please help me celebrate the opening from 6 to 9, where you can enjoy northern Thai food and wonderful traditional music featuring Mien, Hmong, Akha, and Karen musicians. (For more details, do see the attached poster or check out the site below.)
This has been a long time coming. . . It will be a pleasure to finally share my archival work with my friends in Chiang Mai. Welcome to you all.
Looking forward to soon. With my warmest wishes, Victoria

Victoria Vorreiter
www.tribalmusicasia.com
FERC SWEET CHARITIES
FEBRUARY 13th @ Bake & Bite, Kaew Nawarat Road, Soi 3
When: starts 18:00
A must for anyone who likes to dine in style and support good casues, this fabulous dinner includes fabulous hors d’oeuvres, two glasses of wine (non-alcoholic drinks included in the ticket), and a selection of homemade desserts. Tickets cost just 800 baht and are available from the Bake & Bite Restaurant.
Contact : rebeccalomax@hotmail.com
Air Bagan to start direct Chiang Mai- Yangon-Chiang Mai flights
Myanmar owned Air Bagan announced a new service from Yangon to Chiang Mai, with the first flight taking off on January 7. The planned schedule has flights two times, on Thursday and Sunday. Chalermsak Suranant, Director of the Chiang Mai office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, announced the planned schedule on December 18 with Suranart Chaweesup, managing director of P.BB. Travel, Air Bagan’s local representative.
The TAT director believes that the new direct flights will make it more convenient for Thai and foreign travelers as well as business people and government officials to travel to Myanmar. He believes that the international links that Chiang Mai Airport has to offer will attract more tourists to Myanmar and the Northern region.
For Visa on Arrival and Travel Arrangement contact Boutique Travel Service www.btsthailand.com email : service@btsthailand.com
Chiang Mai Friends Group's 2nd Anniversary Party
Lets cerebrate our friendly and fun party in the 60's and Thai Temple Fair Style.

Costume Competition, Dinner, Drink, Raffle, Games, Live Band and be with good hearted and positive friends of Chiang Mai City.

Contact Chiang Mai Friends office @ 053 206121 089 4334926
chiangmaifriends@gmail.com
Chiang Mai Flute Club Concert: A Choir of Flutes - Sat 30 Jan 2010 at 19:30
Dear Friends

Tickets for this concert go on sale later this week. I am contacting you in advance. If you'd like to reserve tickets (and are 100% sure about this!) then please let me know by email giving the number of tickets on or before 12 Jan.

My apologies if you have received this message twice - this is the last mailing from me!

Details:

Chiang Mai Flute Club
Concert

Saturday, January 30, 2010
7:30 pm

at

Amora Thapae Hotel
Chiayapoom Road
Near Thapae Gate

Music by Handel, Mozart, Dvořàk

Admission: 200 baht (100 baht for students)

For tickets/reservations email chiangmaiflutes@gmail.com or jonathan_mckeown@hotmail.com
BOSANG UMBRELLA & SANKAMPHAENG HANDICRAFTS FESTIVAL
January 15-17, 2010 : 9.00 a.m.-24.00 p.m.

Bosang near Chiang Mai is renowned for its exquisitely hand-painted parasols made from mulberry paper and silk. The dainty parasols are decorated with beautiful floral motifs painted in dazzling colours. The designs are very distinctive and are instantly recognizable.
During the festival, brightly decorated craft shops and stores line both sides of the 'high street' transforming Ban Bosang into a picturesque village decorated in the Lanna Thai style. Colourful umbrellas and traditional lanterns liven up the handicraft fair.
Best Value New Year Gift
JJ Market Project Invite buying sacred gift baskets. Provide and who you love.
If the store natural mold. He developed the product from the project by the Royal.
His Majesty the king has the property of Him. To create the project.
Development on the land with the purpose of Him 4. To form Chambers support.
Sufficiency economy philosophy. To help restore the Thai society. Change conditions of poverty.
People and resources in educating farmers and students who are interested.
General visitors. And compliance has led to. The project was organized as JJ Market set.
Sacred gift baskets from $ 80-1600 baht from this year to February 2553.
Interested weeks of bookings contact 053-231520 to 100 products to this uplift and the providers and recipients.
Indeed
Panom Premier Showing
Galen Garwood invites you all to the premier of his documentary film, Panom. Please join us for a memorable and thought provoking evening (7 p.m. January 15th at the Chiang Mai University Museum of Art). In addition to the producer (Galen), the composer of the sound score, Jami Sieber, will also be in attendance.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Minute meeting
A presentation on the conflict in the Middle East, its history and its causes was given by academic Dr. Abraham Zimhony, who gained his BA. in Economics and Business Management at Muenster University in Germany, his Ms.c. (Honours) at the London School of Economics, (LSE), and his Ph.D. at the St. Galen University in Switzerland
A special sale of Handicraft at Kids Ark Foundation
Kids Ark Foundation, Chiang Mai is having a special sale of Handicrafts at their office this Thursday, Friday and Saturday November 26-28th from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. These unusual high-quality handicrafts include scarves, wine-bags, cosmetic bags and many other fine products which are not found in the markets. The sale benefits children affected by HIV/AIDS. Check out the website at http://www.KidsArkFoundation.org For directions to the office click here for a map. For more information contact Bev at 084-809-8079.
Former U.S. President Carter to help build new homes across the Mekhong River region
้.Nong Kon Khru village, Sansai Chiang mai, to receive 62 new homes
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife plan to join 3000 international Habitat for Humanity volunteers to help construct and repair homes in countries in the Mekhong River region. While the former U.S. President will be based in Chiang Mai, many volunteers will be joining local residents in other parts of Thailand, as well as in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China in a bid to construct or repair 166 homes in the 5 days from November 15 to 20
Chiang Mai Friends Meeting at Art & Cultural Centre
The Music of the Golden Triangle and Cycles of Life :Victoria Vorreiter is a classical violinist . She has spent the last 4 1/2 years trekking to remote villages in Laos, Myanmar/Burma, China, and Thailand to document the traditional songs and ceremonies of the mountain peoples through films, recordings, photos, and journals.
Loy Krathong, Chiang Mai 2009
According to northern Thailand or Lanna tradition, each month is counted two months earlier than that in the Central Plain region. This then makes the 12th month in the Central Plain region equivalent to the second (Yee) month (Peng) in the Lanna time frame. Northerners usually enjoy the Yee Peng month very much because it is the festival of the lanterns.
British Honorary Consul meets with Chiang Mai Friends: Don't miss this
This is an honor to Chiang Mai Friends Group to meet with Mr. Ben Svasti Thomson-new Honorary British Consul for Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Friends Meeting at Gymkhana
Mr. Guy Hopskin is the founder of The Spa resort both in Samui and Chiang Mai where is the 1st health Destination resorts in Thailand . He is an expert on health and nutrition. He showed us 38 minutes of health fact documentary. This is about you are what you eat and food does matter to your life.
Bamboo planting at Ban Papai
Chiang Mai Friends Group would like to invite you to join our Friendship Planting Bamboo Trees at Ban Papai
FERC and Chiang Mai Friends want your favourite recipes!
The Chiang Mai Friends’ Group, (CMF), has proposed as a project a cookbook which will promote Chiang Mai and its wonderful food as well as benefit the Foundation for the Education of Rural Children, (FERC) a registered charity in Thailand which is legally incorporated as a tax exempt organisation in the United States. This means that the organisation meets all of the legal requirements in both countries for transparency, and is audited in both countries annually. 100% of donations to FERC through the project will go to scholarships for rural children.
Friends' Talk on : Do & don’t in Thailand by Mr. John Shaw
Mr. John Shaw was the honorary British Consul in Chiang Mai between 1990-1995. Moreover, he is one of the founder “The Chiang Mai Newsletter” or “Citylife” at present. He is a father of Pim Kemasingki- editor’s citylife magazine. He also wrote five novels on Thailand and Thai culture. He lives in Chiang Mai over 40 years. This is a good opportunity for us to share experience with him. And he also give us some tips about do &don’t in Thailand.
The paedophilia presentation at Chiang Mai Friends’ Group meeting
Pedophiles who prey on Asian children may be local nationals, expatriate residents or child sex tourists. Regardless of their origins, pedophiles generally develop a sophisticated network of information, unfortunately aided by the internet, which makes it particularly easy for them to find vulnerable children. Children in developing countries are among the most exploited by pedophiles
Coming up
“ Green & Clean City Project” to work with Chiang Mai Municipality by the Mayor and her team to promote the good health and happy living here.
Chiang Mai Friends’ group welcomes the Mayor and Tourist Police
The recent regular monthly meeting of the Chiang Mai Friends’ Group was held at the Just Khao Soy restaurant, behind Anusarn Market, with the special guest of honour, Dr. Duentemduang, the city’s mayor, welcomed by all.
The meeting began with a report of the wonderful day spent by a number of members and their friends up at Ban Papai during the latest tree planting event. Next, the group’s president, Duenpen Chaladlam, announced a project in cooperation with the municipality which aims to increase awareness in the community of garbage management and the importance of recycling and correct disposal.
Plant 1 Tree for better air of Chiang Mai
Dear Friends and members,
Chiang Mai Friends Group would like to invite all of you to join our Friendship Planting Trees under the One Visitor, One Tree Project. The venue is Ban Papai, Doi Saket on 1 APPRIL 09.


Pls follow the link for map and detail

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ah9s9tfch7qv_10fp63nvfx&invite=fhm5rhm
Free Visa to Thailand.
All foreigners who apply for Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulates-General worldwide, including eligible foreigners who apply for Visa on Arrival at designated checkpoints, will be exempted from Tourist Visa fee from 5 March to 4 june B.E. 2552(2009). (The fee exemption is not extended to other types of visas, i.e. Non – Immigrant visa and Transit visa.)

For further information please check at http://www.consular.go.th/
Chiang Mai Friends Group 1 Year Anniversary
Chiang Mai Friends Group, a group of positive and good hearted, Expats and Thais, who all share a genuine love for Chiang Mai city is going to cerebrate the 1st year Anniversary on 22nd Jan 09 at JJ Market Hall, Assadathorn road from 5.30-08.30 p.m.
Happy New Year 2009
Dear Friends
The Spirit House Singers
Present "Just a Few Carols"
Just a few carols….
Chiang Mai Friends Group Meeting
Chiang Mai Friends Group Meeting Tuesday 25 November at International Center (Chiangmai University)
Hanging Kome on Loy Krathong Festival
On 10 November 2008, Chiang Mai Friends Group was invited to join with Municipality at Tapae Gate to hang a Kome. This ceremony is to pay respect to HM the King and conserves Thai Lanna culture.
Khon Chiang Mai clean the city
Mayor "Pang" Leads Cleaning the city for welcome Loy Krathong Festival 2008

Mayor of Chiang Mai city arrange cleaning activity to welcome Loy Krathong Festival. The Cleaning up held on 4 November 2008 from 8 am-12 pm. at Railway Station. Chiang Mai Friends Group joined the event.
Message from the Mayor of Chiang Mai NOV 2008
Dr. Duentemduang na Chiengmai, Mayor of Chiang Mai welcomes you to Chiang Mai City
Chiang Mai Friends group’s 9th meeting – a variety of presentations
The UNISERV building, located next to CMU’s Conference Centre, was the venue for last week’s 9th meeting of the Chiang Mai Friends group. The group’s president, Duenpen (Boong) Chaladlam welcomed the 80 or so “positive and good-hearted people who are helping to serve the community in education and in the environment” to the conference room, and gave her report of the previous meeting and the group’s recent activities.
CONGRATULATION
CHIANG MAI , THAILAND, NAMED BEST DESTINATION IN TRIPADVISOR'S

INAUGURAL TRAVELERS' CHOICE DESTINATIONS AWARDS
HON. Consul of Consulate of Sweden meets with Chiang Mai Friends Group
Earlier this month on September 24 Chiang Mai Friends Group held their monthly meeting at the Maninarakorn Hotel on Sridonchai Road. After an excellent buffet dinner, the 27 guests who attended the meeting were invited to plant a tree on the opposite side of the Sridonchai Road, then it was up to the meeting itself which started at 7pm.

Guest of honour was the Mrs Supajee Nilubol who is the Honorary Consul for Sweden in Chiang Mai, her husband was the former Thai Ambassador to Sweden. She gave a talk on 'How a Thai lady became a Swedish Consul' and also 'Is Thailand a second home for Swedish people and the Generosity and Contributions from Sweden'. She explained how Swedish people like the weather in Chiang Mai and how the Thai people are so friendly and peaceful, it is also a lot cheaper to live here than in Sweden. During her 4 years in Sweden she discovered the generosity of the Swedish people, from HM the Queen of Sweden who funds several NGO projects in Thailand, down to the average person. She gave an example of how Swedish people pick berries and mushrooms in the forest, just enough to eat and leave the rest for others. The mountains, rivers, and general surroundings are very similar in both countries.
Green Chiang Mai and JJ Talent Concert
On September 26 JJ Markets will be hosting the 'Best of 2007' concert in aid of HM The King's Foundation and to promote Green Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Friends learn about Theravada Buddhism and the Thai people
The regular monthly meeting of the Chiang Mai Friends’ Group, held on August 27, was more than fortunate to have as its speaker Professor Dr Saeng Chandra Ngarm, highly regarded in northern Thailand as a “Diamond and guardian of the Buddhist faith”. Dr Saeng is also the chairman of the “Wisdom Bank” of northern Thailand, a project inaugurated and supported by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, which focuses on reforestation, irrigation and forest reclamation.
Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration meets Expats and Thai
Pol. Col. Prayut Chommalee, met with Expats and Thai on his talk "Immigration Laws for Foreigners and Thais"

Representatives from Chaing Mai Municipality Office, TAT, Tourist Police, Chiang Mai Chambers of the Commerce, Soroptimist International Club and Chiang Mai Expats Club joined the event set by Chiang Mai Friends Group on 10th SEP 2008
JJ Talent Competition 2008
As a result of the success and good feedback from the 'JJ Talent Competition 2007' held last year by JJ Market with the objective to support and encourage young people to spend their free time in a useful way as well as to provide the opportunity for young generations who are capable in musical skill to show off their potential.
Meeting with the Superintendent Immigration Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Friends' group would like to invite you to a special meeting during which Pol. Col. Prayut Chommalee, the Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration
Interview the Superintendent Immigration Chiang Mai
Pol. Col. Prayut Chommalee, Superintendent Immigration Chiang Mai, gave the interview to Chiang Mai Mail Newspaper, Long Stay Magazine, Website retireinchiangmai.com. Chiang Mai Friends Group was the bridge for this interview.
Chiang Mai Friends Group's 6th Meeting
The Chiang Mai Friends Group held their July meeting recently at the Suan Pak Restaurant on Sanambin Road, between the Airport Plaza and Immigration.

Over 70 people attended, and most started at 5.30pm with sharing a dinner. It gave everyone a chance to network, and meet friends both old and new.
The August08 cycling event of Chiang Mai Sunday Cycling Club(CSCC)
กำหนดการทัศนศึกษาเดือนสิงหาคม 2551
Cycling Campaign and Excursion Program for August 2008 by Chiang Mai Sunday Cycling Club
Papai Villagers plants trees for greener Chiang Mai
Early in the morning of July 18 (luckily the bars we closed the night before), lots of people headed off to PaPai Village, D – past Doi Saket, 25 miles from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Friends Group's 5th meeting
Chiang Mai Friends Group had a wonderful turnout for the 5th meeting. There are 63 Expats and Thai joining together for exchanging culture, knowledge, friendship and help the community for educational and environmental concerns.

City Pillar & Inthakin Festival at Wat Chedi Luang
SAT 31st May 08 : 14.00-18.oo p.m. Grand opening ceremony. There will be local performance, music and flower offering.

Sun 1st –Fri 6th Jun 08 : 9.09 a.m. -22.00 p.m. people offer the flowers tray to the City Pillar. Life performance, music, food market and making merit activities.
First Practical Seminar for the future development of Chiang Mai
Last week, on May 23 at the Novotel Hotel, over 400 guests were invited to the “First Practical Seminar for the Strategy and Planning to Develop Chiang Mai City”. Guests from all walks of life were invited, and included municipality officials, traders, hoteliers, business people, and representatives of the local community.
Chiang Mai’s new “green” Friends
New group supports integration and friendship

The aims of a recently formed new non- profit making group, Chiang Mai Friends, are very much in line with the reassuring nature of the city’s recently elected Mayor, Dr Duentemduang na Chiengmai’s statement that “we are all, Thai or foreign, citizens of Chiang Mai”.
Feedback from Songkran Volunteer
Foreigner volunteer tells us the feedback of Songkran Chiang Mai 2008
Songkran Chiang Mai 2008
Mayor of Chiang Mai, Captain Deuntemduang Na Chiengmai announces the grand opening of Traditional Songkran of Chiang Mai. 12th ARP 08 @ Chang Puek Gate.
Mayor of Chiang Mai Municipality meet with Informal Northern Thai Group for
Captain Deuntemduang Na Chiengmai, Ph.D., Mayor of Chiang Mai
Municipality Tuesday, April 8th 2008 - 300th Meeting att the Alliance Française - Chiang Mai.
The two and a half hours talk was about ..
1. Chiang Mai Municipality
1.1. Area of responsibility.
1.2. Duties and responsibilities

2. Priorities
2.1. Cultural conservation and preservation
2.2. City environmental development
2.2.1. Green city
2.2.2. Air quality control and measurement
2.2.2. Solid waste management
2.2.3. Waste water treatment
2.3. Quality of Life
2.3.1. Public Health Services
2.3.2. Education
2.4. Public participatory process
Kids in Self Sufficiency Economy Village water the trees
The children of Ban Papai Village watered the trees from One Visitor, One Tree project. Some trees grow very fast. Check them out with us if yours are survived and how big your trees are.

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Expats and Thai Volunteer preparing for Polite Songkran
The first year for foreigner volunteers to help to promote Polite Songkran. They have learned the traditional ways of Lanna Songkran and joined with local Chiang Mai people. The work shop went very well and impressive.


5th APR 08 @ Lanna Wisdom School.
Activities Schedule of Pee Mai Muang (Songkran) Festival 2008
Chiang Mai Municipality Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, welcome all of you to join Polite and Traditional Songkran this year.
"Alcohol free, Safety & Happy Songkran"
Ride for Green Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Cycling Club and Chiang Mai Friends Group join the ride for reducing Global Warming and Green Chiang Mai Project.
Chiang Mai Friends Group 3rd Meeting
Chiang Mai Friends Group will hold their 3rd meeting on 26th March 2008 at Tuskers Bar, 7-9 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
The Mayor of Chiang Mai speaks at Chiang Mai Expats' Club meeting
Dr Duentemduang na Chiengmai, Mayor of Chiang Mai, during the "question and answer" session at the Expats' Club meeting.
Chiang Mai Friends Group Meeting
Chiang Mai Friends Group meeting at Eurana Boutique Hotel
Chiang Mai Friends Group Project for 2008
Chiang Mai Friends Group, a network for business and community service groups is growing bigger by the day. We are currently developing three initiatives to benefit the whole community.
Cycling for good health and reducing the pollution.
Green Chiang Mai team joined "Cycling for reducing global warming" on Sunday 10 Feb. 08 with the Chiang Mai Municipality officers, Chiang Mai Cycling Club and local people. It was a 20 kms ride to see the local area. More than 200 people attended the ride.
Green Chiang Mai published on Longstay Guide
Chiang Mai Goes Green
Chiang Mai Green Project enthusiastically received at launch party

Elle Faraday
Tuesday, January 22, saw residents of Chiang Mai, both expat and Thai, come together to celebrate the launch of Green Chiang Mai.
The Grand Opening of Green Chiang Mai Project and the official launch of www.retireinchiangmai.com
On 22nd Jan 2008 @Tuskers Bar and Restaurant
Chiang Mai Friends Group
On 22nd January 2008, 17.00 Hrs, @Tuskers Bar, Chaiyapoom Rd., Soi 1.
Contact: info@retireinchiangmai.com
 
      
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