The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Northern Region 1 says perceptions of a SARS threat have affected northern tourism, reducing the number of foreign tourists by 40%. Chalermsak Suranan, TAT director, said that the TAT has turned its focus to tourists from other countries such as Japan, Australia, European countries, and America that are not directly affected by SARS.

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Inthakin ceremony again well attended this year

Chiang Mai’s annual Inthakin ceremony was launched at Wat Chedi Luang temple last week. This religious Inthakin ceremony was organized with a traditional Buddhist rite, and presented the Buddha image Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha for those people who wanted to make merit by worshipping and bathing the statue with fragrant water.

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Chiangmai Mail shoots and scores in Chantaburi

On May 20, a friendly football match between the Mass Media team of Chiang Mai from the north and Mass Media team from Chantaburi in the east took place at the football field of this eastern province.

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Finance Minister Suchart Jaovisidha is assuring exporters that the strong baht is unlikely to be a hindrance to exports for the near future.

Traders anticipated the Bank of Thailand (BOT) will intervene to avoid the strengthening of the baht and its negative impact on the country’s economic growth.

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India’s Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, flagged off the inaugural Lucknow-Jeddah flight at a glittering function held at Amausi Airport in Lucknow on May 21st.

The commencement of direct flights between Lucknow and Jeddah will enable passengers from Udar Pradesh and adjoining areas of Bihar to fly with greater comfort as they will no longer have to travel by train or bus to Delhi to take their international flight.

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