Thailand's Sporting Events in 2008
From International Golf to Special Events and Thai Festivals
Thailand's sporting events in 2008 range from golf to tennis, elephant polo to kite flying, with marathon running and water festivals in between.
Thailand's annual successes in the Asean Games and its participation in International events like tennis champtionships, snooker champtionships, golf champtionships and ocean racing, means that this East Asian country is now quite passionate about sports. With the increased interest in sport worldwide, Thailand now has an interesting calendar of events, some of which are noted below:
Thailand Ladies Open Golf February 20th-22nd, 2008. Thailand Ladies Open at the Vintage Club, Samut Prakarn, Thailand
A series of golf events to celebrate the Thailand Ladies Golf Association (TALGA) is being planned for the 30th anniversary of the Association in 2008. The first tournament will be the 2008 Thailand Ladies Open for professionals with prize money of US$120,000 plus US$10,000 for the Pro-Am on February 19. Details: Tel: +66 (0) 22557976 or the Vintage Club Tel: +66 (0) 2707-3820-5
Thailand International Kite Festival - March 8th - 9th 2008. Venue: Rama VI Camp, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
The colourful Thailand International Kite Festival attracts an ever-growing number of devoted kite fans, participants, and spectators, from Thailand as well as other countries around the region and beyond. Details: TAT Central Region Office: Area 2 (Cha Am). Tel: +66 (0) 3247 10005 and 1006
King's Cup Elephant Polo - March 31 - APRIL 6, 2008. Venue: Chiang Saen Secondary School, Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand
This charitable event, ranked as the 6th largest event on the Thai tourism calendar, was introduced to Thailand in 2001, and raises money for the country's National Elephant Institute in Lampang, Northern Thailand. The Far North venue ensures that the spotlight is focused on to a unique part of Thailand, and showcases the beauty of the Golden Triangle - the natural home of elephants.
Tel: +66 (0) 5378 4084 or +66 (0) 2477 0760
Songkran Festival April 13th-15th, 2008. Celebrated in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Phra Nakhon Si, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Samut Prakarn, Phuket, and Songkla.
Songkran Day has been celebrated as New Year's Day in the Thai solar calendar since ancient times. The word "Songkran" means a passage, and refers to the position of the sun within the solar system. As the sun enters each of the houses of the zodiac constellation, a songkran cycle is completed. When the sun is equidistant to the earth so there are an equal number of hours during the day and night, this marks the beginning of the Thai new year, - the supreme cycle or Songkran.
Highlights to expect - processions, Buddha images bathing rituals, merit-making activities, release of fish and birds in observance of ancient Buddhist customs, cultural performances and games, water splashing, and more water splashing.
Europe vs. Asia Golf Championship - May 2008. Venue: Amata Spring Country Club
The Royal Trophy — Europe vs Asia Golf Championship is a unique, emotionally-charged competition played between the continents of Europe and Asia in a team match-play format. The best players from Europe play against the best players from Asia in a spectacular series of matches for stewardship over the perpetual Royal Trophy — donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand.
Entertainment and Sports Co., Ltd. - Tel: +66 (0) 2651 9499
Pattaya International Marathon - July 20th, 2008.
Pattaya as a tourism centre for the Thailand's Eastern Seaboard and one of the region's premier beach resorts well-served by an extensive range of facilities of international standards, Pattaya is a complete destination with land and marine attractions within easy access. Home to the "Pattaya Marathon", an annual international event which features a marathon, half-marathon, and a 10.550 km. quarter marathon, this event offers a picturesque running route. The event attracts participation from world-class runners and locals.
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
