This is spoken or understood by nearly 75 million people, making it a significant Asian language that enjoys a well developed media including translated work, dubbed movies, television, radio, music, books, instruction manuals, software and children's material.

The language is part of the Thai-Kadai family, which covers languages spoken in a large swath of central Southeast Asia including the Northern reaches of Burma, Laos and Vietnam, and parts of Southern China. However, today only Lao is at all similar, the mother tongue for most Thais living in the Northeast (Isaan). Within Thailand there are four recognized dialects including Northern, Northeast, Central and Southern, but as a result of the Ayuthaya domination in the 18th century, the Central dialect became widely used and is now taught in schools and used on television. Mostly there are vocabulary or pronunciation differences between the dialects.

The main characteristic of Thai language is its use of tones, which turn an otherwise small group of sounds into a large vocabulary. This can be the most challenging aspect for a foreign learner, but it isn’t dissimilar to the use of syllable emphasis in English-you simply have to get used to each different sound. On the other hand, its simplified grammar and basic word use make it easier to get started.

The Thai language also uses its own unique characters, with no spacing between words. Making it difficult to read. But taking the time to memorize the characters greatly helps to decipher critical signs and open up the reading aspect of your learning. Although most Thais in tourist areas speak basic English, they greatly admire and appreciate those who’ve taken the trouble to learn even a few basic greetings.

As Phang Nga Bay embraces tourism, the village of Panyee is cashing in by putting up a few seafood restaurants. These can be prominently seen as one passes the island. Another distinctive feature of Koh Panyee is the village mosque which towers over the rest of the stilt houses.

Koh Panyee is often the stopover point for tourist on their way to explore the caves and grottoes of Phang Nga Bay National Park, as well as the rest stop for trips to James Bond Island. I am documenting it so that you may have a better idea of the sights in Phang Nga Bay National Park.

Phuket Airport 327230-37

The beautiful Andaman coastline of Southern Thailand, in Phang Nga province, provides the peaceful tranquil paradise setting of Khao Lak with it's 9 km stretch of pristine sandy beach set against a background of casuarina pines and overlooked by the towering evergreen forest of Khaolak-Lamru National Park.

This is an unsurpassed and unspoilt locale for nature lovers or those seeking complete relaxation.

Khao Lak is 80 km from Phuket International airport, and is ideally situatec to provide visits to numerous point of interest and natural attractions, including several land and marine based National Parks. The Similan and Surin islands, with their world renowned dive sites, are just a short trip away. The list of attracions and activities is quite extensive-beautiful deserted beaches, hiking, waterfalls, hot springs, elephant trekking, diving, snorkeling, reefs, lakes, estuaries, canoeing, wild life, remote islands...to name a few.

There is a good range of excellent accomodation, discreetly nestled in the environment, and offering every amenity and luxury, according to your budget, with views to the sea and surrounding forest. Night life is quiet and relaxing.

Unlike European style, traditional Thai massage focuses on circulation and pressure point, promoting internal health as well as muscular flexibility.

Traditional
The traditional procedure is centuries old. Using her hands, elows, knees and feet, the masseuse applies pressure to numerous points along the body's meridians, or 'life-power lines', and manipulates the customer's body and limbs. The aim is to encourange an even and harmonious flow of physical energy.

Reduce Tension
techniques vary-people who like rigorous work outs will get exactly that in Bangkok, while morthern techniques are substantially gentler. Whichever one you go for, try not to fight the masseuse -stay loose so she can work properly. Thai massage is notfor everyone, but most people walk out far less tense than when they went in.

Study Centers
Traditional parlors are widespread in Thailand-Bangkok has hundreds, and Wat Pho is the city's massage Mecca, both for treatment and study. Massage prices differ everywhere, but US$10 per hour is about the limit. Good hotels provide massage services and can also recommend tracitional venues around the city.