Thailand's Charms are those fashioned by age-old traditions of great gravity and beauty—leavened by fireworks, beauty contests and longboat and dove-cooing competitions. Complementing Thailand’s traditional annual festivals are some special events planned for 1998 and 1999, which have been dubbed “Amazing Thailand” years. These include the 13th Asian Games (December 1998) and the Sixth Cycle Birthday, commemorating the 72nd birthday of the Thai monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (5 Dec 1999).
A source for further information in Bangkok is the Tourism Authority of Thailand, 202 Le Concorde Plaza, Ratchhadapisek Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320, phone 66-2-694-1222, fax 66-2-694-12201. 
In the U.S. the Tourism Authority of Thailand can be contacted at phone 212-432-0433, fax 212-912-0920, or at phone 213-461-9814 and fax 213-461-9834; in Canada at phone 604-733-4540, fax 604-733-4599; in Sydney at phone 9247-7540, fax 9251-2465; and in London at phone 171-499-7679, fax 629-5519.
If you call Bangkok numbers listed below from outside Thailand, you must first dial your country’s international access code, then Thailand’s country code, 66, and Bangkok’s city code, 2. Some of the events listed below take place outside Bangkok, but they are accessible by car, air or other public transportation. Those phone numbers are listed with the country code and their respective city codes.
Information contained in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
September 1998
9-12 Sep—Gem and Jewelry Fair. The 22nd Annual Bankgok Gem and Jewelry Fair. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, phone 229-30009.
19, 20 Sep—Phitsanulok Boat Races. An annual longboat race on the Nan River. Decoration of boats and cheering of teams are competitive. Phitsanulok, 305 mi/491 km from Bangkok, can be reached by car, railroad or a 40-minute flight.
21-25 Sep—Korlae Boat Racing and Narathiwat Produce Festival. Staged at the Bang Nara River, in the southernmost part of Thailand, this festival has boat racing, martial arts demonstrations and a dove-cooing contest judged by the queen. Narathiwat produce, including longan fruit, and crafts are sold. For more information, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand, 66-73-612-126 or 66-73-615-230.
Looking Ahead...
6-20 Dec—13th Asian Games ’98. Essentially the Asian Olympics, athletes from more than 40 countries will be competing in 36 different sports. An acccompanying cultural program will take place at Silpakorn University, with art and architectural exhibits and dance and music performances. For more information, call the Sports Authority of Thailand, 318-09404.
5 Dec 1999—The King’s Birthday. The Sixth Cycle Birthday, which commemorates the 72nd birthday of Thai monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej. Special celebrations will be held in his honor.
