Betong, Thailand Travel Guides and Tours

Thailand's Mon people peacefully celebrated their National Day outside of Bangkok in Uthai Thani. Two years ago, similar celebrations were banned. The Mon people have demonstrated increasing concern that their culture and literature will disappear.

Thailand's government has given the military approval to assist police in controlling rioters and protesters expected to come out in larger numbers over the course of the next few weeks in support of Thaksin Shinawatra, the country's former Prime Minister, who was ousted in 2006. Pro-Thaksin supporters are expected to hit the streets as a leadup to a coming ruling on his frozen bank accounts.

Recent skirmishes between Thai and Cambodian forces at a non-demarcated stretch of border between the two countries are the result of an apparently misunderstanding and both governments assure there will be no escalation of forces or hostilities in the area, promising a swift return to peace.

Three Thai nationals have been charged with smuggling ivory from endangered elephants into the United States. Thailand's police charge that some of the pieces were sold on EBay back in 2006.

Thailand's exports rose the most in December as they had in 17 months, due to increased demands for rice, auto parts, and electronics. Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice and its economy is expected to grow 3-4% in 2010. The country offered to sell one million tons of rice to the Philippines, the world's largest buyer of the crop.

Thailand also announced that it will donate $100,000 and 20,000 tons of rice to eathquake ravaged Haiti, along with a medical team and construction workers.

Thailand has strengthened its ties with Laos - in part by agreeing to build a railway connecting Bangkok and landlocked Vientiane.

Thailand's Health Minister has condemned one of the most dangerous fashion trends among the nation's youth: fashion braces. Girls who don't need braces are getting them applied on an underground market, which carries great risk including that of death.

Thailand's Public Health Ministry has launched the country's free H1N1 vaccination program and the initial group of vaccine recipients are all in good condition.

Thailand hosted the Royal Trophy golf competition between Europe and Asia last week. The European team, led by Colin Montgomerie, took the win. Overall the competition was a success and will return to Thailand in 2011.

This week in Thailand, the village of Bor Sang is hosting its annual Umbrella Festival, which celebrates the colorful umbrellas produced from Sa paper in the town in a street festival. There is a beauty pageant, contests, exhibitions, and more - and of course umbrellas of every size and color for sale.

A homemade bomb detonated in Thailand's southern province of Yala has killed several Thai soldiers. The Thai Princess will visit Bangladesh this year and will meet with the Prime Minister. This week in Thailand, attend the Royal Trophy golf tournament where Europe takes on Asia at the Amata Spring Country Club. Or head to the Royal Phuket Marina for the PIMEX Phuket International Boat Show, the perfect spot to scoop up that luxury yacht you've been eyeing.

Celebrate the New Year in Bangkok's Central World Plaza around the Rattanakosin Island. After the New Year Festival, expect to see the Thai cabinet reshuffled and a new public health minister named. Just in time it seems, as a new vicious form of malaria has been affecting towns and villages along the Thai-Cambodia border, and there are indications that this strain may be resistant to most existing vaccines.

Thailand narrowly edged out Vietnam to with the Southeast Asia Games. Representatives for Thailand's King, the longest reigning monarch, say that his health is normal and has been for some time. Meanwhile, the country's Prime Minister says he will dissolved the House of Representatives within seven months, with the support of the anti-government protesters.