Culture

The Wai -- Traditional Greeting Of Thailand
In Thailand, Wai is not just a gesture to greet people, it is also a sign of respect.
It is a gesture that is used to demonstrate the importance of Thai values and attitudes. Some believe that is one of the most important social customs of Thailand.
In Thai society the use of Wai publicly demonstrates the superiority rule. When two people meet, the socially “inferior” person takes on an inferior position while the socially “superior” person assumes a physically superior position.

Types of Wai
There are different types of Wai to show respect in different degrees. While greeting a person in Thailand using a Wai, one usually joins the palms together. However, the degree of respect comes from bowing of the head. The lower the head is bowed, the greater the respect.
If the Wai is done with the hands close to the body with the fingertips reaching the neck level but not above the chin, it means that the greeting is either between equals or strangers who are still not aware of each others social positions.
A socially superior person will return the greeting to socially inferior person by joining the hands and keeping them close to the body with the fingertips reaching the neck level. The head will be kept either straight or slightly inclined.
If the head is bowed and the fingertips are just above the tip of the nose, it means that the socially inferior person is showing respect to a socially superior person.
When one lowers the forehead to the base of the thumbs and the body is also bent at the waist, it means that the respect is being accorded to the King, monks, temples, spirit houses and statues.
In Thailand, the Wai is used to greet people, thank them and also to say goodbye. For an outsider, it can be very confusing. Therefore, if you are visiting Thailand, the best advice you can get is to Wai when someone else Wais you, or else you can smile and nod your head.

Kissing in Spain

Male and female acquaintances kiss each other, usually on both cheeks. If a lady expects you to kiss her she will offer her cheek. The ‘kiss’ is deposited high up on the cheek, never on the mouth (except between lovers), and isn’t usually really a kiss, but a delicate brushing of the cheeks. Close family and male friends embrace.

Leaving the Comfort Zone

It didn't matter how many hits his band Clash produced over their nine years in the industry - vocalist Preeti "Bank" Barameeanant always kept his profile low-key.

Even though he hardly appears in the tabloids, Preeti's iconic looks are not easy to forget. His numerous tattoos, shaved-head, classical Thai facial features, unique vocal styling and often-shirtless body will forever stay attached to his name.
Preeti is now venturing outside his comfort zone - to musical theatre.
"I was a little bit puzzled, when I got approached by Khun Boy," said Preeti, referring to theatre mogul Takonkiet Viravan who offered him the challenge of appearing in his debut musical drama Hong Nua Mungkorn the Musical.
"I thought it wouldn't suit me. In the past, when I heard the word 'musical', I thought of Broadway or New York, or a show for high society. Most men understand musicals as something that only women, people of the 'third gender' or theatre students could enjoy," he added.
"Then, one day, I went with my grandmother to a show, Mae Nak Pra Kanong: The Musical, where I learned my assumptions were wrong.
I realised this kind of performance is definitely high art and requires a professional level of singing, dancing and acting. I have really liked it since then, but still never thought of becoming a stage actor until recently," he recalled.
With his sensual and heart-wrenching vocal style, his transition to the new form of performing arts was easy to imagine. And surprising the audiences with its choice of actors is not something new for producer Scenario. The company's last production, Kinnaree See Rung (La Cage Aux Folle), introduced former pop star-turned-actor Ruengsak "James" Loychusak, who was convincingly transformed into an effeminate role of a drag queen diva "Isabella".
"Even though singing is my career, I have never taken any kind of voice training. Once I accepted an invitation to join the show, I had to take serious singing lessons as well as acting classes. I remember meeting the whole cast of the show, from the lead actors to the ensembles, and when I witnessed their talent, I felt lucky to be working with them," said Preeti.
Hong Nua Mungkorn, the award-winning television drama from the 2000s, is returning in the form of a spectacular musical drama. The story is set in a Chinese community in Bangkok during the early '70s, a time when Chinese residences were considered as second-class citizens. Struggling to make a living in a foreign land, many Chinese had to live under the power of the mafia or other criminals. One day, the "godfather" of a gang was assassinated, and the crown was then passed to his daughter, who had to maintain her family's empire.
Chang Hao, the character of a former gunman, will be played by Preeti, and leading musical actress Suthasinee Buddhinand will portray Lew, the godmother of the clan. The villainous character of Tee Lek has been given to a young blood in the showbiz industry - Phakin "Tono" Kumwilaisak from popular talent show The Star 6.
"Somehow I feel related to the character," said Preeti. "Chang Hao and I shared the same feeling, and the same pain. He has lost his love ones and his family was bullied, while my family in real life went bankrupt and I lost my mother two years ago. So, it is life experience that makes us both strong people," he shared.
Being a musical star is only one challenge currently on his plate. This month, Preeti will also release a new album with his former band Clash, although it will be their farewell work.
"Our parting of ways had nothing to do with my involvement with the musical. Each member of the band came to realise we all want to grow musically - to do what we really want to do," he explained.
Dating back in 2001, the story of Clash begins just like a classic tale - they were a high-school student band spotted by a music label along their journey of collecting prizes from leading music contests.
Today, with six albums under their belts, the legend of Clash is going to start its countdown.
"It has been a great experience," said Preeti. "I remember it was so hard back then for young kids to, compared to today's digital world. We grew up in the cassette era. We listened to one album over and over until the tape almost wore thin. One thing I have noticed among young kids today is that they lack identity. They have a better chance to enjoy music but somehow when things come easily, they take it for granted and don't really fully find out who they are and what they want to do."
While mentioning the word "identity", Preeti then quickly reveals his true calling. The guest vocal slot on the new Thaitanium album is an indication of where he'll be heading musically.
"As much as I enjoyed being known as a rock star and "Bank from Clash", the type of music I have always wanted to do is R&B, and I'm talking about real R&B," he said, which complimented his grooming style during the interview that featured a skin-head, giant diamond earrings and black leather jacket in the style of R&B singers Usher or Chris Brown.
"In my house, most of the CDs are of soul music," he said. "And, in my view, there is no such things as R&B music today in Thailand. That is my goal - to introduce it."
And when asked what he believes to be real R&B music, Preeti answered straightforwardly. "Sex," he said. "There are singers, who have done so-called R&B, and their songs are romantic, but R&B is more than that. It is supposed to be sexy and naughty as well."
Preeti revealed there are a couple of singles from the upcoming Clash album, Nine Miss U 2, that he claims to be examples of the direction his music will take in the future.
Preeti fully understands it might be difficult for some of his fans to let go of Clash, and musical enthusiasts possibly question his capabilities. But he doesn't find it daunting.
"If you have doubt or can't imagine me in a musical, that is perfect," he said. "Come and see the show, and you will be surprised to see me like you have never seen before."

How to stay healthy during flu season

The rising number of influenza cases signals the arrival of the flu season. 'Muse' asked last week how you ensure you stay healthy enough to combat any threats from flu viruses during this time of year, and if you have any tips to share with us about staying healthy? Here are your answers!

Muse's PICK
"
'Eat right, live better, live longer!' is an adage we can all choose to live by to stay healthy.
"By eating right, we can follow the basic health rules of trying to stay as close to nature as possible, choosing to eat things that are 'real' unprocessed foods. Like someone once penned: 'Don't eat anything your grandmother wouldn't recognise as food'. So stay away from processed foods that contain artificial substitutes full of preservatives and chemicals.
"When anyone in my house feels a tinge of flu symptoms or starts coughing, the instant remedy is to boil ginger and make it into a hot drink, sweetened with honey. Then there's also the apple-cider-vinegar-with-honey remedy that always does the trick.
"When someone in the family has a full-blown cold or very sore throat we often make our explosive concoction of boiled cabbage (rich in vitamin C) with crushed garlic (natural antibiotic), chillies (folic acid), onions (blood cleanser), a few strips of ginger, along with some cayenne powder and soy sauce for seasoning _ a potent soup that promises to flush out all those germs! A close and tastier alternative to this is tom yum soup, of course. Works wonders!
"To live right is to live above stressful situations that only suppress your happy hormones and cause your body to produce poisonous toxins. Strive to stay positive, to stay calm, and maintain that balance in your life, between work and play. Strive to be at peace with others, because really, what does it matter if you win or lose an argument if it means that it's going to cost you your well-being?
"Last but not least, love is the all powerful essence of life. It has been said that even if you possess all the riches in the world, you would still be an impoverished soul without love. Without love, it's nothing! Science has even proven that love can boost one's immunity and promote better health. Obviously, love will produce more endorphins, the happy hormones, and that alone can play a big part in keeping you mentally, emotionally and physically fit!"

Rachamankha

PM: 7% growth, dong won't hurt economy
Published: 19/08/2010 at 04:36 PM

The economy could grow by as much as seven per cent this year, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva
National Economic and Social Development Board secretary-general Ampon Kittiampon met the prime minister to report the latest economic figures today."Most people are now expecting that this year's economy would grow seven per cent from their previous forecasts at 3.5, 4.5 and six per cent."I'm quite sure the economic growth in the first half of the year will be above 10 per cent," Mr Abhisit said.It would not be unusual if the economic growth slows down in the second half of the year, he said. The government was more concerned about the economy in the first quarter of 2011, as the agricultural sector could be hit by potential water shortages.The premier said Mr Ampon reported that the baht's recent appreciation was in line with other regional currencies.On the economic impact from the devaluation of Vietnam's dong, he said the inflation rate must also be taken into account.The devaluation of the Vietnamese currency was low since the neighbouring country also needed to tackle its inflation problem, he said."The government is not underestimating the foreign exchange situation but the dong's devaluation would unlikely affect the Thai economy," he said.Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said the dong's devaluation by another two per cent early this week will not have any appreciable impact on Thailand’s rice exports.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai
“Vietnam is a major competitor for rice exports, but our neighbour now has no more rice for sale,” Mrs Porntiva said.The ministry would keep a close watch on the situation, particularly on the value of baht. The private sector had repeatedly expressed concern about its appreciation, she said.The private sector was worried that the baht might strengthen to 30 to the US dollar, a rise of seven to eight per cent.Businesses warned that such an appreciation would affect the country’s exports in the fourth quarter of the year, she said.The minister was confident that the Bank of Thailand was capable of keeping the baht value at a suitable level, and said her ministry forecast that 2010 exports would grow 20 per cent to an expected value of $183 billion, as targeted.Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Dusit Nonthanakorn said there is a possibility Vietnam would again devalue the dong soon, although this would not have much impact on Thailand’s exports.“But the government must keep a close watch on the situation and try to stabilise the baht value at levels in line with the currencies of other Asian countries. By doing this, manufacturers’ trade competitiveness will not suffer,” Mr Dusit said.Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman Payungsak Chartsuthipol said the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) rose from 103.3 in June to 108.6 in July.The TISI figure, which was again above 100, reflected the fact that manufacturers had more confidence in the recovering economy, the FTI chief said.He attributed the improvement to the increase in purchase orders, sales volume, production output and profit of manufacturers, enhanced by recovering global economy and the end of political unrest.Manufacturers’ confidence was also boosted by the progress in the national reconciliation road map of the prime minister, the success of the government in injecting seed money into the system via investment projects under the Thai Khem Kaeng (Strong Thailand) stimulus scheme, and the substantial expansion in the export and production sectors, said Mr Payungsak.However manufacturers were concerned about global oil price fluctuations, the political situation, the world economy, foreign exchange rates and domestic interest rates.He said manufacturers wanted the government to rapidly bring stability to politics, boost the confidence of investors, cut tax to stimulate the economy, cut loan rates, settle the environmental impasse at Map Ta Phut industrial estate, seek new export markets and stabilise value of the baht.

In my ideal I think economics in thailand now is distrut for the president became can't to development Administration .

Chocolate Horoscope

Chocolate Horoscope
Horoscope Central
Find Out What's the Perfect Chocolate for Your Sign!
Aries (march 21-april 19)
Libra (sept 23-oct 23)
Bittersweet Chocolate - Covered CherriesThe bittersweet chocolate coating honors Mars, Aries's fiery planetary ruler. Inside, a sweet cherry symbolizes the fresh beginnings of spring, the sign's birth season.The Ram is an impulsive leader, full of energy and self-confidence. The spontaneous, romantic people born under this sign enjoy picnicking or shipping champagne beneath a starry sky - always with a box of chocolates close at hand.
White and Dark Chocolate Layer CandiesA candy that combines white and dark chocolate provides balance and satisfies Libra's desire to find harmony in all things.A dispenser of justice and lover of romance, Libra weighs all the issues on a personal scale. True Libras make decisions based on the careful analysis of facts. Always balancing opposite points of view, they know precisely how to have their chocolate and eat it, too.
Taurus (april 20-may 20)
Scorpio (oct 23-nov 21)
Dark Chocolate Truffles with Chestmut Cream FillingThe sumptuous combination of rich dark chocolate paired with smooth chestmut cream appeals to Taurus, a sensual lover of nature and luxury.Taurus, the Bull, is dependable and loyal. Taureans are known for their high standards, and they never compromise when selecting the finest chocolate.
Milk Chocolate Truffles with Rum Raisin Cream FillingWith its seductive flavor, rum raisin appeals to Scorpio's wild sensuality. The smooth, rich milk chocolate coating then satisfies the Scorpio's desire for sweets.Scorpions are intense, headstrong, forever mysterious, and passionate about love and food. This sign's unquenchable appetite for chocolate is symbolic of their appetite for life itself.
Gemini (may 21-june 20)
Sagittarius (nov 22-dec 21)
White Chocolate Truffles with Green Tea GanacheSymbolized by the Twins, Geminis are versatile souls whose own opinions are often in conflict.They are social butterflies, flitting from place to place, and it can be difficult to get a Gemini to make a solid decision. White chocolate truffles filled with green tea ganache are the ideal indulgence for this easily swayed sign because there is no need to choose between yin and yang!
Bittersweet Chocolates with Ginger Cream FillingThe exotic Asian influenced taste of this ginger cream confection draws the travel-loving Sagittarius, and the bittersweet chocolate coating adds just the right contrast. Sagittarius , the Archer, is a swashbuckling, courageous, athletic optemist. Expect this sign to explore all the distant corners of the earth in search of unusual chocolate tastes.
Cancer (june 21-july 22)
Capricorn (dec 22-jan 19)
Milk Chocolates with Orange Cream FillingCancer is one of the most sensitive and emotional of the signs, but sometimes this moonchild must hide a soft interior beneath a self-protective exterior. For that reason, soft fruit-flavored creams inside a hard milk chocolate coating particulalry resonate with this sign.Cancers are caring, emotional, family-oriented homebodies. They will spend hours shopping for a special loved one.
Five Spice ChocolatesCapricorns are serious, conservative and conscientious, and it takes a lot for them to show playfulness. Spiced dark chocolates are a dignified treat for this reserved sign.Like the surefooted mountain climber that is its symbol, Capricorn the Goat always finds sweet success at the summit of every challenge. And although Capricorns may be workaholics, they often keep chocolate rewards stashed in their desk drawers.
Leo (july 23-aug 22)
Aquarius (jan 20-feb 18)
Bittersweet Chocolate Lemon CupsThe regal soul of the leo appreciates the rich luxury of bittersweet chocolate, and the tangy lemon filling pleases the sign's sunny heart and outgoing spirit. A true Leo, warmhearted and magnanimous, seeks a partners to share this delectable experience.
White Chocolate MintsThe surprise-loving Aquarius enjoys the burst of refreshing mint flavor hidden beneath the sweet white chocolate covering.Aquarius, the Water Bearer, is spontaneous, popular, eccentric, and independent. Aquarius would be happy if everyone in the universe had a chocolate mint on his or her pillow.
Virgo (aug 23-sept 22)
Pisces (feb 19-march 20)
Dark Chocolate TrufflesThe elegant dark chocolate truffle mirrows this sign's quiet sensuality and sweet simplicity. Most of all, it is the truffle's understated charm that attracts the cool, collected, intellectual Virgo.Virgos are detail-oriented, dependable and reliable. They will be the first to point out loose wrappers on a tray of chocolates, collect them, and proceed to arrange the remaining chocolates neatly.
Milk Chocolate-Covered MarshmallowsPisceans are both social and modest, and they have great intuitive powers. Marshmallow filling provides this mystical dreamer with a delicious cushion to float on, while the sweet milk chocolate represents Pisces's good-natured friendliness.Pisceans are generous souls. When presented with a gift of chocolate, they promptly turn around and share it with friends and family.

In Venice By Boat

IN VENICE BY BOAT

The reliability and efficiency ofIn Venice by Boat, the discretion of our staff and the comfort of our elegant water taxies make our transfers and tours around the lagoon unique.
We are at your disposal 24 hours 7 days a week, all year round, to offer you a service that will satisfy all your needs. We arrange transfers from and to the Venice airport "Marco Polo" and Gran Canal tours. Deluxe taxi boats on hire for as long as you like.
Moreover...
Transferts and tours of the Grand Canal
Lagoon excursions with visits to all the main islands
Personalized itineraries along the typical venetian canals
Art & history tours led by professional guide -lecturers
Body guards
Hostess & escort services

Crocodile Farm, Rose.

This trip visitors will be charmed by elephants shows. You can see the talent of Many elephant while they are playing football with man.Guess who will be the winner at the end. After that, you can enjoy watching a wonderful magic shows. View unforgetable tricks that will make you more wonder how they can do such those unbelifeable things. Your journey will be more valued when you are in Thailand. Don't miss the good real shows, the shows of beauty and the shows of fascinating. More than the shows on this trip is getting close encounter with an amazing range of animals like bengal tigers, cocodiles and many more. All visitors will be resting by enjoy walking in the garden at rose garden where is close to Nakhonchaisri River. See the varieties of orchids plantation. Then, you can enjoy watching wonderful cultural shows such as sword figthing, Thai boxing, Thai dancing, and many more...
Price : $60
day 1 : Rose Garden and Crocodiles Farm Tour
10.00A.M. Pick up from hotel.11.00A.M. Visit crocodile farm to see the exciting show place and post the picture with the Bengal tiger and feed the crocodiles which have the ages between 30-50 years old.12.00A.M. Lunch13.15P.M. View an exciting magic shows13.45P.M. Witness the talents of elephants show14.00P.M. See the exciting crocodile wrestling show.14.40P.M. Visit Rose Garden to see the cultural dancing shows.17.00P.M. Arrive at hotel

Let's go to travel and see to you fascinate and impress.

Every shoe is more excited and have good atmosphere to take a photo.