text:
стр. 61
Four thousand miles west of Toulouse, in Washington, concern had
been growing over the help China was giving the Iranian missile program.
A particular worry was the deadly C-802, a sleek, sharklike antiship
cruise missile that could also deliver a chemical or biological payload.
The sales brochure of its manufacturer, China National Precision
Machinery Import & Export, boasted that the C-802 had "mighty attack
capability" and "great firepower"; it had a range of 120 kilometers and
resembled the Exocet cruise missile that had killed thirty-seven U.S.
sailors on the USS Stark in 1987. C-802s, said James Lilly, the former Comment: fired by an Iraqi Mirage F-
1. Republican Senator Bob Dole
U.S. ambassador to China, pose a "clear and present danger to the demanded that President Reagan explain
United States fleet." At the time, more than 15,000 U.S. servicemen were what US ships were doing in the Gulf.
The ships commander was relieved and
stationed in the Persian Gulf. forced to reture.
For years, Iran had purchased C-802s from China, but officials in
Tehran were becoming increasingly troubled about the prospects for
future sales. They felt that as China nudged closer to the United States,
it might eventually slow down or halt weapon sales to Iran, as it had
been doing with Pakistan.
By the summer of 1997, NSA intercepts of phone calls and faxes
among Tehran, Beijing, and Hong Kong were beginning to indicate that
Iran might be attempting to build the missiles themselves. The prospect
made many in Washington very nervous, because if Iran produced its
own missiles the United States would have even less ability to monitor
and control its inventory. The near-supersonic weapons could wreak
havoc against American ships sailing in the Persian Gulf. But the key to
the missile was the complex, high-precision turbojet engine that powered
it. It was built by Microturbo, SA, a firm based in Toulouse. Few believed
that Iran would be able to successfully build such a machine on its own.
Then, in July 1997, NSA delivered some bad news to the White House.
Its electronic vacuum cleaner had intercepted a phone call from Tehran
to Hong Kong revealing that Iran was attempting to reverse-engineer the
French Microturbo engine—to acquire one and then peel it back, layer by
layer, until it understood the engine well enough to build one. Then Iran
would attempt to obtain engine parts for as many as 100 missiles from
Microturbo by disguising the parts' ultimate destination. According to the
intercepted conversation, instead of having Microturbo ship the parts to
Tehran, Iran would have them sent to a Hong Kong company called
Jetpower. Jetpower would then forward them on to Iran, although it is
unclear from the intercepts whether or not the company knew of the
deception. To further screen the true nature of the shipment, the
equipment would be labeled "Generator 4203 mini—jet engine."
Iran seemed to be pulling out all the stops. GCHQ, through its
Morwenstow antennas, intercepted a call from an Iranian official in Paris
to Tehran indicating that Iran was considering hiring a notorious arms
dealer to help obtain the Microturbo engine. On July 29, 1997, an
overcast but warm Saturday in Paris, the Iranian official, a Mr. Mehrdad,
met with Syrian arms trafficker Monzer al-Kassar.
Flabby and gray-haired, the forty-nine-year-old al-Kassar had traveled
to Paris from his home in Marbella, Spain, where he operated a company
called Conastra Trading. In 1992, al-Kassar was arrested in Spain on
charges of providing weapons and financing for the 1985 hijacking of the
Italian luxury liner Achille Lauro but was later acquitted. A man of many
passports as well as identities, al-Kassar had been part of the covert
network run by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North during the days of the
Iran-contra scandal. It was revealed that al-Kassar had received $1.5
million to purchase weapons. When he was questioned about al-Kassar,
former U.S. national security adviser John Poindexter said, "When you're
buying arms, you often have to deal with people you might not want to go
to dinner with."
Mehrdad told his contact in Tehran that "the meeting had gone very
well" and that they should invite both al-Kassar and another
international arms dealer, the French-born Bernard Stroiazzo-Mougin, to
Tehran for further discussion on ways to acquire the Microturbo engine.
According to the GCHQ report, "Stroiazzo-Mougin is Director of North
Atlantic Airways. In August 1996, he was noted [in earlier GCHQ
intercepts] supplying electron tubes and Boeing 707 and 747 aircraft
spare parts to an Iranian company."
Mehrdad concluded the July 29, 1997, conversation by telling al-
Kassar that he was certain they would be able "to do very big things." A
few weeks later al-Kassar faxed to Tehran details concerning the half
dozen people he was going to bring with him on his visit to Iran— mostly
engineers from South Africa, as well as Stroiazzo-Mougin—to discuss the
missile project. GCHQ dutifully intercepted the list, which included such
key data as dates of birth and passport numbers.
By September, Iran's fears about the Chinese connection seemed to
be coming true. Chinese officials told their Iranian counterparts that the
latest shipment of C-802 missiles had been temporarily halted because of
"technical problems." There were no "technical problems." According to
U.S. intelligence reports, the Chinese government had quietly decided to
cease delivery of the missiles until at least after the late October summit
meeting in Washington between China's president Jiang Zemin and Bill
Clinton. Also according to the intelligence reports, General Mohammad
Vahid-Destjerdi, the Iranian deputy minister of defense, didn't buy the
"technical problems" excuse and accused the Chinese of being
unprepared to stand up to Western pressure and lacking in resolve.
In Washington on October 29, behind blue and white sawhorses
across from the White House, protesters chanted and shouted. But as
the long black armor-plated limousine arrived with President Jiang
Zemin, a military band drowned out the demonstrators with the national
anthems of both the United States and China.
Following the summit talks, a news conference was held in the Rose
Garden. In the crisp fall air, under a bright sun, Clinton addressed the
issue of nuclear proliferation. "President Jiang and I agree," he said, "that
the United States and China share a strong interest in stopping the
spread of weapons of mass destruction, and other sophisticated
weaponry in unstable regions, and rogue states, notably Iran." In part on
the basis of President Jiang's assurances that China had halted missile
sales to Iran, Clinton granted permission for U.S. companies to sell
nuclear power plant equipment to China. But Clinton was relying on
more than Jiang's word: behind the scenes, away from the press and the
public, he was relying far more heavily on NSA to tell him whether China
was keeping its agreement.
In November, NSA intercepted messages confirming earlier reports:
Iran had decided to go it alone and build its own missile. Plucked from
an INTELSAT were faxes indicating that six months earlier, in May, a
deal had been struck between Iran and Microturbo. The intercepts
included a letter of credit, valued at over $1.1 million, issued by Iran's
Defense Ministry to Microturbo. The terms of the contract indicated that
there was little time left: the "goods" were to be shipped to Iran by
December 3, less than a month away. They were to be loaded on an
Iranian ship in Antwerp, Belgium, which would take them to Bandar
Abbas, Iran.
At the White House there was outrage over the NSA report on the
backdoor deal between Microturbo and Tehran's generals. In June the
United States had sent a démarche—a diplomatic protest—to France
complaining about earlier sales of Microturbo engines to China. In
response, the French Foreign Ministry agreed to prohibit future sales by
the company to China as well as "to other pariah states such as Iran out
of principle."
Now, as a result of the NSA intercepts, a second dГ©marche was
issued, this time requesting an investigation into the Microturbo contract
with Iran. More U.S. protests followed. Officials from the American
embassy in Paris approached the French Foreign Ministry again about
the same time, and Pentagon officials called on the French defense
attachГ© in Washington. But the French would only say, unofficially, that
the Microturbo contract simply involved "generators," not missile
Finally, when no formal reply was forthcoming, an unusually high-
level and blunt protest was made to the French Foreign Ministry. "It is
our understanding," it said, "that Microturbo's generators and jet engines
are almost entirely identical, and only slight modifications are necessary
to turn the 'generator' into a jet engine."
Although it was December, the atmosphere in Microturbo's offices was
decidedly hot following the U.S. diplomatic protests over who their clients
were and what they were shipping. The issue was especially sticky
because Microturbo had a subsidiary located in Grand Prairie, Texas,
and that subsidiary depended greatly on U.S. government contracts for
sales of its turbojet engines.
What employees of Microturbo did not know was that they had
become entangled in UKUSA's electronic web. Thus when T. DГЁcle, a
company official, faxed a message to Mr. R. Heidari, an Iranian defense
official, it was intercepted by GCHQ's Morwenstow antenna, several
hundred miles away. Transferred to the agency's headquarters at
Cheltenham, it arrived on the desk of an analyst who specialized in
weapons systems and had been following the C-802 closely. The analyst
concluded that Microturbo was attempting to "mask involvement in
Iranian anti-ship [C-802] cruise missile component deal."
In his report, the GCHQ analyst wrote that DГЁcle had informed the
Iranian military officials "that he would advise them in the next few days
of Microturbo's position. To avoid any faxes being missent to
Microturbo's U.S. subsidiary, DГЁcle requested that in the future the
headers of faxes should not show the name of the U.S. subsidiary, and
he also asked them to use a specific French fax number."
The secret intercepts offered clear, hard evidence that the Jiang-
Clinton summit was having a positive effect. Inside a low, pale-colored
government building near a busy intersection in Tehran, Hossem Jafari,
the official responsible for buying the C-802 missiles from Beijing, was
becoming more and more angry at the Chinese, who were reneging on
their contract. His anger was specifically directed at China National
Precision Machinery Import & Export Corporation.
In early December, Jafari marched over to China Precision's office in
Tehran and demanded some answers from Wen Bo, the local
representative. Like a man who had been conned, Jafari laid into Wen.
He demanded to know why China Precision had not returned his calls,
why the contracts had not been fulfilled, and why he had been given no
explanations. Jafari said he had instructed his financial department to
cease all payments and then demanded that Wen Bo immediately call
China Precision's president, Jin Xuekuan, or its vice president, Ji Yan-
shu, for an explanation.
Wen Bo did as Jafari asked and made the call to Beijing. While Jafari
listened to Wen Bo's side of the conversation, NSA was eavesdropping on
both sides. Over the telephone, Wen Bo told an official at China Precision
that he was in an embarrassing position because he had received no
instructions on the missile deal. He then listed Jafari's complaints and
asked to speak to the top executives. In response, an official suggested to
him that although both Jin Xuekuan and Ji Yanshu were both in the
building, he should tell Jafari that the executives were temporarily out
and could not be reached. Wen Bo did as he was told, and Jafari left as
angry as he arrived. However, he said, he did not blame Wen Bo but
rather the "policymakers" in Beijing.
The Jiang-Clinton summit, according to the NSA intercepts, also
affected a long-planned trip to Tehran by a delegation of China Precision
engineers. They were scheduled to travel to Tehran in October, just
before the summit, to help repair and service the missiles already
delivered. The trip was then delayed for several months. Finally, in
December, just before the team's rescheduled arrival, Beijing sent Wen
Bo some disappointing news. "The future looked bleak," the NSA report
quoted the Chinese officials. The delegation had been shrunk to just
three persons and they were going to Tehran only to carry out some
nonspecific discussion about contract matters, "not to actually do
anything about them." When the delegation finally arrived at Tehran's
Mehrabad Airport on December 4, a still-boiling Jafari asked them why
the two top executives of the company had never got back to him. He was
simply told that "the current situation had already gone beyond the
realm of CPMIEC's [China Precision's] control; consequently, Jin and Ji
were not able to reply."
For Jafari, things did not get better. In February 1998 he learned from
press accounts what he was never told directly: China had pledged not to
sell any more cruise missiles to Iran. In a further meeting with officials of
China Precision, the Iranian officials demanded renewed commitment
within two weeks; otherwise, cooperation between Iran and China might
be suspended.
These intercepts brought smiles to normally glum officials at the
White House and State Department. "The complaints lodged by Tehran
suggest Beijing is holding firm on the original pledge," said a State
Department intelligence report. "Since the commitment was made, the
U.S. has detected only one possible shipment to Iran of small
components related to the air-launched version of the C-802." Giving up
on China, Iran began working hard at reverse engineering and
attempting to build its own missiles with the parts already received. "Iran
may already have received some or all of the equipment necessary to
assemble C-801 or C-802 missiles before the commitment was made,"
said the State Department report.
In March, the U.S. defense attachГ© based in Tel Aviv reported that an
Israeli military intelligence official had passed on some hot information.
"According to IDF DMI [Israeli Defense Force, Directorate of Military
Intelligence], Iran signed a contract in 1993 with the Chinese corporation
CPMIEC for the procurement of C-801 and C-802 missiles for its naval
units and shore-to-sea missile batteries." The U.S. defense attachГ© could
barely keep from laughing at this report, which, he warned, might
include "circular reporting from U.S. intelligence exchange program."
That is, he felt it was simply something Israel had happened to pick up
from U.S. intelligence and was feeding right back to U.S. intelligence for
"credit." "Caution should be exercised in using this information for direct
reporting. ... It is interesting that the Israelis are dredging up old
information to serve as a vehicle for renewed request for information on
the Iranians, or, in the alternative, are just now obtaining information on
six-year-old contracts."
(According to a former intelligence official involved in nonproliferation
issues, "Ninety percent of what we did we relied on Sigint— ninety
percent of nonproliferation comes through NSA. We get some Humint
[human intelligence], some from the attachés, some from the Israelis—
they had a reporting requirement with us, they had to send us something
through the attachГ© every week to justify their $5 billion a year.")
Six months after the summit, intercepts indicated that China was
keeping its pledge to refrain from selling the cruise missiles to Iran.
"Recent intelligence reports suggest Iran is dissatisfied with China's
failure to implement existing ASCM [antiship cruise missile] contracts,"
said an April 1998 intelligence report. Nevertheless, Tehran planned one
last-ditch effort. Iranian officials made plans to fly to Beijing on April 15
to air their frustration and discuss future cooperation. If the trip was
ever made, it was of little avail.
With China having backed out of its contract, Iran turned inward. In
December 1998, Iran's then president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani,
claimed that Iran had become "technologically self-sufficient" in missile
After analysts at NSA review intercepts, such as those between
стр. 61


text:
pon·der·o·sa /pänd??r?s?/ noun.
Mid-30s dykey, switchy, queer geek. Loves coffee and giraffes. Pronoun flexible, anything goes.
Most of the content on Destiny Interrupted is fanworks of a derivative or transformative nature. Visitors enjoying such works are encouraged to support the source material.
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All artistic or literary works on Destiny Interrupted are released Creative Commons BY-NC and the original elements therein are available for further derivative works under this license. For other licensing options including the use of Ponderosa's non-derivative artwork for commercial purposes, please send an email to email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Monster Hunter: World is 'difficult' for the Nintendo Switch
Since the release of Monster Hunter: World and the recent success that it has acquired many people have suggested the game to be developed for the Nintendo Switch, this may provide more "difficult" than expected.
According to Capcom President and Chief Operating Officer, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, bringing Monster Hunter: World to the Nintendo Switch would be quite problematic. Tsujimoto explains in a interview with Toyo Keizai Online that the game was developed for consoles and PC, the portability of the Nintendo Switch and the limits that come with it was not what the developers desired to create.
When Tsujimoto was asked if he would consider developing the game of for the Nintendo Switch he respected the fact that there was a very high demand by the Nintendo Switch audience. Unfortunately though, Tsujimoto said due to "various conditions" it would be quite difficult, not only from a developing standpoint but as well as knowledge of user base.
Monster Hunter: World has been released on PS4 and Xbox One, a PC version is expected later in the year. Currently no plans for the Nintendo Switch.


text:
Rita Ora is shaving the time of her life right now, though weeks ago she had to be carried off by an ambulance due to severe exhaustion ,she is recovering excellently well thanks to major gigs which she just landed. Rita is set to star as in the movie adaptation E.L James's book Fifty Shades of Grey and is now the 'It' girl of Madonna's 'Material Girl' collection.
Material girl was a popular song by American pop star Madonna in the 1980s. Now 'Material Girl' is one of her four fashion brands she co-creates with her teenage daughter Lourdes; also known as Lola. Ora who is also the face of Superga; an Italian tennis shoes brand is the fourth celebrity to model the brands clothing and accessories inspired by Madonna's punk-girl style.
"Rita is a talented beauty but what really drew us to her is the confidence she oozes through her music and her unique sense of style," read a statement from Madonna and Lourdes. "On stage or off, in photos or on the street - she's a magnet! This is what the Material Girl brand is all about!"
The British star who is signed to Jay-Z's label is rumoured to be collaborating with legendary musician Prince on her next album.
Photo Credits:


text:
A Night for Ivan
at the Canal Café
Sunday, 29th October 2000
producer: Elspeth McLean
writer: Ivan Shakespeare
director: John Random
musical director: Jenny Gould
technical manager: Nic Watson
Genevieve Swallow
Stephan Bessant
Mark Brailsford
As a stalwart of Newsrevue John has been writing for the last 15 years. His other credits include a long spell as one of the voices on Radio 4's Fourth Column. With the help of Barry Grossman, John has organized the evening for Ivan.
Jenny's interest in music began at the age of six when she started learning to play the piano; she then took up singing and began writing songs. Whilst studying at Guildhall School of music and having completed a Masters in composition at the London College of Music, she discovered a talent for working with acting singers and singing actors. Her first Newsrevue MD job quickly followed, and through various tenuous links has led to her being here tonight. One day soon Jenny's name will be in lights.
Nic got into the Central School of Speech and Drama in 1998 and spent a year trying to find the way out. He has been part of the furniture at the Canal Café Theatre for some time now, but has only just been allowed to come out of the corner and remove the coats from his head. In his spare time, Nic collects orange flashing lights, ashtrays and anything with buttons. Nic lives with Chet and Atouille his two rats.
Training: Durham University and Guildford School of Acting. This year's credits include: Captain Cholesterol and the Grannies from Mars Tour. Summer was wet and windy (but never mind my personal problems!) doing an open air season playing Sybil in Private Lives, Mrs Juno in Overruled, Lydia in Pride & Prejudice and Edith in Blythe Spirit. After two stints on Newsrevue back in '98 (including a "Best of ..."), Genny is pleased to be tottering back on to the Canal Café's boards for this very special show.
Webber Douglass Academy born, Stephan's credits include rep doing A Woman of No Importance, Wind in the Willows and Shakespeare for Breakfast in Edinburgh. Tours of MacBeth and Hansel & Gretel (as a 12 year old lederhosen-wearing Hansel!) He first encountered the best that is Newsrevue in 1997, and returned in 1998 as director. Stephan is warming up his "look out behind you" legs for panto this year in Manchester with Kathy Staff. Stephan is very pleased to be chosen for this show.
Mark's career began at 8:15 and will crash to the ground at around closing time. In the meantime he has managed to work as an actor, writer, director and chicken worrier but not in that order. Film work includes Pink Floyd The Wall, the first Film on Four, Yang Bang Kipperbang by Jack Rosenthal and has just completed filming a feature film Sweet Dreams, for the Heather Brothers. TV appearances include Casualty and Eastenders for the BBC, Book Tower, Stand and regular appearances on Standup Live. As a writer, Mark has written for Radio Four's Week Ending and for his own comedy sketch shows on cable TV. Plays include Big Buddha Beach, Three Wishes and most recently, Fly Me to the Moon at the Man in the Moon Theatre in Chelsea. Mark has been associated with Newsrevue as a director for over three years and is currently the artistic director of the tremendously successful Newsrevue Brighton. His next project, Whoops Missus is that your Asparagus, is all set for the Ulan Bator Fringe Festival. Donations at the bar.
As a comic writer, Ivan would have been the first to see the irony of the manner of his death - felled by a heart attack in the act of keeping fit. (He was jogging at the time.) A commissioned writer on Radio 2's The News Huddlines and Radio 4's Week Ending and The Beaton Generation, he most recently worked on Bremner, Bird and Fortune for Channel 4, where his talent for sharp, political satire found a perfect home.
Ivan first decided to strike out as a full-time writer, with his partmer Elspeth's full support, when he won a competition in Time Out. As the least pushy person imaginable, he always feared his talents would be outshone, but he was wrong. He soon established himself in the corridors of BBC Radio Comedy, and became a stalwart of Newsrevue, the topical satire show at the Canal Café in Little Venice. In both places, he brought his own distinctive touch to the difficult business of satirising a Tory government that was increasingly beyond parody.
It was no surprise that this erudite and cultured man should turn to the Bloomsbury Group for his Radio 4 Sitcom, A Square of One's Own, broadcast in 1996-97. But he was not above being the butt of a less highbrow joke when he appeared on television as a David Mellor lookalike, complete with Chelsea strip.
Ivan was easygoing, generous in is praise of other writers, and no lover of formality. He once turned up to a wedding in a second hand suit he's snapped up for a song. "Yes, it's bespoke." he said to another guest. "Unfortunately, it's bespoke for someone else."
------ John Random
first published in The Independent
obituary column, February 2000
was produced by:
back to the Comedy Collective
Comedy Collective: Ivan's other work


text:
HARD is a Swedish-Hungarian hard rock group, formed in 2004 by some of the finest musicians of the Hungarian hard rock scene. After 2 critically acclaimed and award nominated albums in Hungary , the band decided to take a step forward and hit the international music territories with English lyrics.
Their first international offering was "Traveller" and the album's leading single, "Stay" got heavily rotated on the radio. The band has appeared in the biggest international hard rock & heavy metal magazines, such us Metal Hammer, Burrn!, Fireworks, Hardline, Powerplay, etc. Rave reviews were made from every corner of the planet, even from the USA .
None other than famed record producer Beau Hill (of Winger/Ratt/Warrant fame) blew his mind when he first heard the album, so he immediately asked the guys to let him remix some of the tunes. They agreed, and the result was more than amazing. The band also made a highly successful guest appearance at the Z Rock Festival in the UK in May 2009, but right after that a brand new chapter began in the HARD history.
In August 2009, the band announced that they have joined forces with acclaimed Swedish vocalist/guitarist/producer Björn Lodin of Baltimore . The band is now ready with the long awaited next CD, entitled "Time Is Waiting For No One", scheduled to release in Feb 27, 2010. Stay tuned for details!


text:
We are at the 1/3 point in the NFL season and the 1/2 point in the college season, so it seems as good a time as any to check in on football in LA. How are our teams doing?
USC Trojans (5-1)
Yes, the Beavers got overpowered by Trojans in Dick Joke Bowl 2017, but that doesn't really tell us much about how good they are. They are good, though. Possible National Championship good if the breaks go their way. Which they probably won't because East Coast bias in college football ruins everything.
UCLA Bruins (3-2)
The Bruins had a bye this weekend, so that was considered a positive. You know, the Bruins would actually be good if they fielded like, you know, an actual defense. The Chosen Rosen can only take them so far.
Despite Hippo's protestations, I refuse to believe that RAMMIT are any good. I believe you saw some of that this weekend. They had a perfect opportunity to win it, but they couldn't come through in the end. In other teams, this would be a learning opportunity and the team might get better from it. I do believe, though, that the ghost of Georgia Frontiere has cursed this team and that they will not win a Super Bowl while they are in LA.
Shitty Clippers (1-4)
They are lucky that the New York Giants are a disaster of hurricane and earthquake combined proportions. Seriously, I feel bad for Giants fans. This is a lost season. They might as well fire up the blender and the 8-track playing this song:
Here is our handy dandy attendance table:
As you can see, something unbelievable happened this week: RAMMIT outdrew the USC Trojans! Before anyone gets too excited, please remember that the NFL counts paid tickets, not how many people go through the turnstiles.
Media estimates said the crowd was closer to 55,000 on Sunday.
In any case, it was only by 431 people, sooooo
So, how are things looking in Inglewood? Yeah Right gave you a good update on that earlier this season, but I wanted more details, so I dug into the project's website for info. They have webcams!
No, not the kind of webcams I was hoping for, but at least we get to see behind the fences. Those are screenshots of live shots taken on Monday, October 9, 2017.
That's a whole lot of dirt! Construction-wise, though, it does seem to be moving along. Here is a mockup of the entire project that I found on a PowerPoint presentation for a community meeting held roughly a year ago:
As you can see and as I have told you all along, Stan Kroenke doesn't really need the team in LA to be successful with this project. There is housing, retail, a performance venue more intimate than the Forum next door (at the top left of the picture is where the Forum is located), and, of course, there is the casino!
I'm not clear on which particular tribe calls Inglewood home, but feel free to speculate in the comments.
There is now media speculation that the Chargers' debacle in Carson is actually a trial balloon to figure out if an NFL team actually needs a fanbase or not. It's an interesting take and I can tell you, based on the Mexican soccer league, that a team absolutely does not need high attendance to make money.
Realistically, it's the same in many soccer leagues in the world. The only teams drawing large amounts of fans to stadiums are those that are hugely successful (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, etc.) or those that offer a superlative game experience for a relatively cheap price (EPL teams, Athletic Bilbao, Borussia Dortmund, etc.).
Here is a crowd shot from a game in Mexico City of the Mexican soccer league prior to the earthquake:
The home team, Cruz Azul is one of the Mexican league's most popular clubs. It is never threatened with relegation and consistently is in the mix for the "liguilla" or playoffs. I have seen purses sold in Japan with the Cruz Azul logo on them.
This is not a small club. Yet look at the crowd. Tickets are relatively cheap, too. So, why are the crowds that small?
Every single game is on TV in Mexico. Every one.
All the Mexican clubs make their money from TV rights. Any income they get from the stadium is gravy.
This may be where the NFL is headed, specially in LA. I simply do not understand spending $400 per person ($200 ticket, $100 for parking, plus $12 "beers" and $14 sandwiches) on a day at the ballpark where that amount can be used for a weekend getaway to Mexico. Including flights and hotel. Seriously.
Now I'm hearing the PSLs for the new Hollywood Park stadium are expected to run in the range where houses used to run a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away (or now in the Midwest). Yes, I'm talking $175,000 to $225,000 per seat.
They say LA is not a NFL town. That's fine. If being a NFL town means getting a mortgage for a PSL, I don't want Los Angeles to be considered a NFL town. We have a serious enough housing problem as it is.
The hope is that NFL ratings continue to fall and the next round of TV contracts are not as lucrative as the last. Only then will the madness stop.
And the Chargers will move to London and the Rams will move somewhere and the shiny new stadium will go the way that many shiny new casinos have gone in Las Vegas:
They've already got the hole in the ground…
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text:
ETC Dimmer Doubler
Male stage pin to two Female L5-15 twistlocks.
Looking for a way to double your dimming control capacity without having to add to your dimmer inventory? Looking to cut in half the amount of dimmers you have to take on the road? An ingenious device from ETC solves those lighting problems: Dimmer Doubling (sometimes referred to affectionately but unofficially as 'multiplexing'). The Dimmer Doubler allows two lighting fixtures to operate independently using only one dimmer. The two lighting circuits function independently, as if they were connected to separate dimmers. Simply run one circuit from any 120V, 60Hz Sensor or Unison dimmer to a conventional outlet. Connect a Dimmer Doubler, and plug in two Source Fours with 77V HPL lamps.... That's it! The two lighting circuits work as if each had its own assigned dimmer.
- Easily increase dimmer circuit counts for renovations without additional construction
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- (1) ETC Dimmer Doubler
All shipping, insurance, and freight handling charges are the responsibility of buyer and are not included in the purchase price.
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Jordan Edens Photography // Richland Washington Wedding and Portrait Photographer
2 0 1 7 ! ! !
Jordan Edens Photography is entering its FIFTH bridal season! I am constantly reminded of the growth and possibilities that lie ahead as well as the ability that I have to grow and evolve my business. This year as I plan and strategize I hope to bring a springtime freshness, a sense of motion and storytelling, and a subtle and timeless elegance to all of my weddings and portraiture sessions. Wedding collections will continue to share love stories and capture the beautiful moments of a day filled with promise. And portraiture sessions will be a lifestyle storytelling with emphasis on the home and telling the story in the place where my clients are in life.
BRIDAL: Booking with a limited number of dates in 2017 and starting to take dates for 2017!
PORTRAITURE: In home lifestyle sessions are always available, outdoor sessions will be offered starting in the warmer months.
A little preview into my springtime fresh logo update!


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text: I see there are a lot of jQuery popups. Mostly work on link navigation means when you click on link then it will show popup. Suppose you want to show popup on button click then here is the simple trick to do this. I take fancybox jquery popup for example. This will call ajax.php. For this, I take a link,set display none and trigger it on button click.


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Those two-out-of-a-hundred individuals might be today's presidents of the respective seminaries, Iain Torrance and Brian Blount. Ask either of them about 2012 and they will blurt from memory a long list of initiatives and events being planned to commemorate their schools' rich histories and to build for the future. They also will brag about the faculty and students who fill the classrooms today in preparation for a lifetime of service to Christ and the church.
The celebration at Princeton already commenced with the development of a $100 million bicentennial campaign, to include funding for construction of a new library. The Speer Library holds the world's second largest freestanding collection of theological books, and the board determined to enhance its distinction by making it brighter for students and greener for the environment. Furthermore, the board aimed to make the library "accessible to congregations and colleges not only all across the United States of America but all across the world where Christianity is growing rapidly," says Torrance. Designs led to demolition and then to groundbreaking; now the new construction hurtles toward a late 2012 dedication. Construction of new student housing is also included in the project.
The celebration at Union Seminary also involves raising a bicentennial fund, this one aiming for $75 million to build the Charlotte, N.C., campus, to completely renovate Richmond Hall on the Richmond campus as a global ministry center (training for mission service), to build 100 student housing units in place of existing ones and to broaden leadership development programs.
The actual celebration at Union begins on Bicentennial Convocation Weekend, coming this September when a troop of students, faculty, alums and friends will bicycle 75 miles from the campus of Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville, Va., to the present-day Union campus in Richmond, thereby retracing the seminary's eastward migration in 1898.
Many opportunities for learning and worship will fill the months to follow, including a series of workshops on the use of technology in worship and teaching and communal worship events to be organized with neighboring presbyteries in Roanoke, Charlotte and Richmond. The spring of 2012 will bring events commemorating Union's history of mission in Korea and of working with the African-American communities here in the U.S. Much attention will be given to Union's role in the changing shape of southern Presbyterianism since the seminary's founding.
The history of the seminary is being written by Ph.D. graduate Bill Sweetser, pastor of First Church, Spruce Pine, N.C. It will be published by Westminster-John Knox Press.
A new history of Princeton Seminary will be published by Harper Books upon its completion by James Morehead, the Mary McIntosh Bridge Professor of American Church History at the seminary.
Two commemorative worship gatherings will mark the celebratory year. The first, to be held in March, 2012, will be led by Robert Bohl, board chair and former moderator of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). The second, to be held at the Princeton University chapel in October, 2012, will be led by distinguished alumna Marilyn McCord Adams, who has taught the philosophy of religion at Yale and Oxford universities and now is a distinguished research professor in the philosophy department at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
When asked about the strengths of their respective seminaries, both presidents mentioned their faculty and schools' convergence of disciplines.
Blount points out that these are the only Presbyterian seminaries that have offered Ph.D. programs, "so we've not only trained a great many of the pastors and leaders of congregations and leaders in denominational life and leaders in mission, we've also trained some of the strong scholars, professors who have been teachers and professors of leaders of the church." Quickly he adds, "We combine that with the federation of rich resources and legacy of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education" to stand as "one complete and strong institution here in the present."
Torrance explains that Princeton Seminary "was founded to be a hybrid institution, to bring together learning and piety. And we still strive for that. We have, we think, a strong M.Div. program, taking in 130, 140 students per year. And we also have 109 Ph.D. students. We send more Ph.D. graduates to more seminaries than any other seminary."
Torrance also stresses the value of being a residential community. While quickly acknowledging the value of distance-taught courses, he says, "We remain a residential community, and we believe that this is important for formation. We believe that it is good for our students to meet together, eat together, study together, and that we worship together."
Both also brag of this year's graduating class members. Torrance says, "They are part of the millennial generation: they tend to be masters of multi-tasking. These are passionate, gifted and committed people."
As president of the smaller of the two schools, Blount is quick to say of the graduating seniors, "I know most of them personally. … There are people who want to be educators, people who want to be pastors, people who want to work in different areas of ministry, not just one type of ministry."
1812 … 2012: 200 and counting.


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I keep decor in bathrooms relatively simple and always use white towels. People associate white with "clean" in bathrooms. I try to add plants or some greenery in each bathroom I stage or style with Vignettes as well. Plants tend to soften the harshness of bathrooms and dress them up a little.
Vignette Staging of a Guest Bathroom
Published by Carriage House Staging & Design LLC
Shea Rowland-Kautz is a Social Worker turned Artist and Designer. After years of working in the social work profession she decided to steer her ambitions toward her heart's desire by fusing her passion for art and design into a career. Her social work experience enhances her ability to build personal relationships with clients and exceed their expectations by listening to what their individual needs are. Shea founded Carriage House Staging and Design, LLC. with an arsenal of experience and an innate talent for understanding color, function, space planning, design and aesthetics that represents each individual client and homeowner. Shea has always been enamored with beautiful color, the mood different shades of color can inspire, unique and vintage finds, well designed spaces and furniture. She has a keen ability to create functional spaces while incorporating your individual style and beautiful design. Meticulous attention to detail and compelling innovation is evidenced in her work. View all posts by Carriage House Staging & Design LLC


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Ken Wicks
RetireInvest - South East QLD
Ken has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 1978. He joined RI in 2001 becoming a proprietor of the business and provides strategic advice to clients in Brisbane, Bribie Island and the Sunshine Coast. Prior to joining RI he held various senior roles in other organisations in the financial planning, financial services and superannuation industries.
- Pensions and Retirement Planning
- Superannuation
- Self-Managed Super Funds
- Aged Care Advice
- Estate Planning
- Direct Equities
- Centrelink Advice
Indicative fee
Advice is provided on a fee for service basis. For advice provided that is related to your Sunsuper account, you may be able to pay via a deduction from your Sunsuper balance. Ken can provide advice on an ongoing basis or on a one-off basis depending on the client's needs / preferences.
1470 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, Brisbane QLD 4122
Office hours
Mondy to Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Ken Wicks is a representative of RI Advice Group Pty Ltd AFSL No. 238 429 ABN 23 001 774 125 and can be found on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register. Profiles are provided by National Advice Panel planners. More information about each planner, including services they offer, remuneration, any potential conflicts of interest, and dispute resolution, are set out in their own Financial Services Guide(s). Sunsuper does not receive or pay any referral fees to these planners. The National Advice Panel planners are not employed by Sunsuper, and Sunsuper is not responsible for the advice provided by these planners.


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Look who's talking: Modi impersonator is a big hit in Nepal
Nepali comedian Manoj Gajurel has won plaudits for impersonating Nepali leaders during his long career in acting, but it his Nadrenda Modi act that has become a hit both at home and abroad in recent months.india Updated: Dec 06, 2014 01:12 IST
Some say imitation is the best form of flattery. Nepali comedian Manoj Gajurel might say it is the best option to make a mark and win accolades.
Gajurel has won plaudits for impersonating Nepali leaders during his long career in acting, but it his Nadrenda Modi act that has become a hit both at home and abroad in recent months.
With two successful visits within three months the Indian Prime Minister has managed to woo millions of Nepalis and Gajurel is cashing on the prevailing mood by copying Modi's speeches and mannerisms to thunderous applause.
"Mitro, Nepal aur Bharat ki mitrata hamare Soniaji ki sari aur Sushilji ke daadi se bhi acchi hai, (Nepal and India's friendship is better than Sonia Gandhi's sari and Sushil Koirala's beard)" he tells a packed audience.
In the past Gajurel's impersonations of Nepal's last king Gyanendra Shah and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda were the acts that audiences wanted him to perform.
But none had got the kind of response like his latest act. Recently he had a very successful six-week tour of UK where his imitation of Modi was cheered by non-resident Nepalis and Indians.
In his acts he pokes fun at Nepali politicians for their failure to draft the country's constitution on time and also touches on issues like labour migration, power crisis and human trafficking.
In a recent interview to Nepali Times, Gajurel stated that he decided to copy Modi after the latter's Nepal visit in August. But impersonating Modi's dress, body language and accent wasn't easy.
It took him several days of practice to get under the skin of the character. These days it takes him less than 25 minutes to transform to Modi and his ease in front of audiences is clearly visible.
Serial banned
Meanwhile, The Nepalese authorities have banned the telecast of a popular comedy TV show, "Tito Satya" (Bitter Truth), for reportedly satirizing Indian PM. The 576th episode of "Tito Satya" was abruptly taken off after officials of the state-owned Nepal Television found some objectionable remarks in the episode, the plot of which was basically dedicated to how the Nepali leadership was trying to make money out of the funds being released by Modi.
First Published: Dec 05, 2014 23:57 IST


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Like a bolt from the blue, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday directed that effective from next year, Nigerian Democracy Day marked every May 29 for the past 18 years be now shifted to June 12. The main reason for this decision is to honour an illustrious son of Nigeria, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, who won the presidential election conducted on the said date in 1993.
The result of that presidential poll adjudged, both locally and internationally, as the freest and fairest in Nigeria's democratic history was annulled and the late Abiola was prevented from assuming office as democratically elected president by the military junta that conducted the 1993 general elections. Eventually, MKO, as he was fondly called by admirers, died while struggling to actualise the mandate given him by Nigerians. Since then, the ghost of June12 has refused to vanish from the country's political landscape.
In an apparent bid to address the political injustice called June 12, President Buhari also announced on Wednesday that the late MKO Abiola would be conferred with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the nation's highest honour exclusively reserved for the holders of the highest office in the country.
In the same vein, Chief Abiola's running mate in that election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, is to be conferred with the second highest honour of the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON). Also to receive the GCON honour is late Nigeria's foremost lawyer and pro-democracy activist, Gani Fawehinmi.
President Buhari's pronouncement has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians, depending on the side of the political divide they belong to. Some analysts have described the move as a masterstroke, saying with this singular act, President Buhari has given a left upper cut to former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who annulled the election and a right jab to former President Olusegun Obasanjo who never believed in Abiola and the June 12 debacle.
The thinking is that IBB and Obasanjo were among those who asked Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019 and since then the battle line had been drawn between the president and the two generals. This set of Nigerians view the declaration as a political gimmick. Put directly, they argue that the president is merely playing the politics of 2019 by wooing the Southwest.
On the other hand, some political pundits contend that in Nigeria, you cannot rule out politics from anything. They aver that politics or no politics, wrong timing or not, Trojan horse or bribe, it was a good move from the president, which may have finally put the ghost of June 12 to rest.
It would be proper to look at the issues surrounding the posthumous award for Abiola within the context of common sense and politics. According to a popular maxim, 'in love and war all is fair'. Politics is seen as war in Nigeria and anything Buhari does to boost his image in the eyes of the electorate in an election year is welcome provided the concept is his. Whether one likes it or not, the president's electoral chances have increased in the South-West. Even some die-hard critics of the president from that geopolitical zone have commended him for recognising Abiola as the winner of the June 12 presidential election.
There are others who also argue that the president cannot confer the GCFR on a dead person. Justice Alfa Belgore, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), described as illegal, the conferment of Nigeria's highest national honour on MKO Abiola. He said the national honours cannot be awarded posthumously, "much less the GCFR", which is the highest honour in the land.
But constitutional lawyer, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) punctured that argument, saying the ex-CJN did not refer to any section of the National Honours Act or any other law that has been violated by the president.
Falana said, "With profound respect to the Honourable Justice Alfa Belgore, the National Honours Act has not prohibited or restricted the powers of the president to confer national honours on deserving Nigerian citizens, dead or alive.
"No doubt, paragraph 2 of the Honours Warrant made pursuant to the National Honours Act provides that 'a person shall be appointed to a particular rank of an order when he receives from the president in person, at an investiture held for the purpose…' But paragraph 3 thereof has given the president the unqualified discretion 'to dispense with the requirement of paragraph 2 in such manner as may be specified in the direction.'
"Therefore, since the national awards conferred on Chief Abiola and Chief Fawehinmi cannot be received by them in person, the president may permit their family members to receive same on their behalf."
Falana also addressed the legality of June 12 holiday to mark Democracy Day as declared by the president, which has been argued to be illegal on the ground that the approval of the National Assembly was not sought and obtained.
He said, "Furthermore, section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act stipulates that in addition to the holidays mentioned in the schedule to the act, the president may appoint a special day to be kept as a public holiday either throughout Nigeria or in any part thereof. It is crystal clear that the president is not required by law to seek and obtain the approval of the National Assembly before declaring a public holiday in the country."
He concluded that "in view of the combined effect of the National Honours Act and the Public Holidays Act, the legal validity of the well deserved awards and the historic holiday has not been impugned in any manner whatsoever".


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There is never a dull moment with Lamborghini, and the Urus is the latest testament to that. Some might Argue that that famous Italian brand is late to the SUV party, actually it was too early as it launched its first SUV way before it was trendy, back in the 1980s with the LM002, code name Cheetah.
While that model was a glorious brute, the Urus is a modern day Brute as it is sharp and aggressive looking, it's at its best when looked at from its rear three quarters, those angular wheel arches… actually angular everything. The rear end by far is the most striking rear seen on a SUV. The front is where things get a bit tricky, those air vents sure seem necessary as they dominate the nose. Overall one most probably would struggle to call it gorgeous or beautiful, but it is one striking piece of machinery. Inside and the Lambo interior DNA is more visible, it matches the exterior actually and provides mush needed balance. the only questionable thing about the interior would be rear headroom as that sloping roofline might eat away at it. As for the mechanics, the Urus is powered by a blistering 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque, mated to an 8 speed auto. Its performance is equally staggering as it accelerates from 0-100 in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 305 kmh, it is the fastest SUV hands down.
Mind you Lamborghini has coined a new segment for its Urus, which is SSUV, short for Super Sport Utility Vehicle, could you blame them though?


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Well, Abe and Elle pulled a fast one on me a couple of weeks ago. Here they were all packing bags and stuff, and I'm thinking, "Great, here we go again." Off to the "spa" for another weekend of bowel quaking "rest and relaxation" spent with "friends" and smells and sounds that can turn any stomach to jelly. That's not to say that the "spa" is all that bad. I mean, they feed me and stuff, even though I don't eat much when I'm there. Did I mention the bowel quaking "rest and relaxation?" Yeah, I thought so.
But here Abe and Elle were all running around, throwing things in bags that Pearl used to call "suitcases," though I'm pretty sure neither Abe nor Elle ever put a suit in one of those. Does Abe even wear suits? Inka says he works from home. I just assumed he was unemployed since all he does all day is talk to his computer screen, type on his keyboard, and print things every now and then. He's also moved his "office" into a closet. Does that strike anyone as odd? Just thinking out loud there.
Anyway, so Abe and Elle were like, "did you remember your Pee-jays? What about the toiletry bag?" and I'm thinking, is there something wrong with the bathroom?
Inka clued me in. "They are traveling again. That means spa time."
No, I mean I get the craps, or I get sick, or I have to go to the Vet after they go on travels because honestly, whenever they abandon us, er I mean, "take us the the spa," I end up with something.
One time, the day before a spa trip, I could sense that something was up. And I had, let's just say an irritable bowel. Then another time after an extended stay at the "spa," I came back coughing like you wouldn't believe. I mean, hello? There are other dogs at the "spa." Like, lots of them.
Well, this time, I'm like… Please, please, please, not the "spa."
Then bam, suddenly Inka's swept up in her crate, and Abe's like, "I'll be back from the "spa" shortly."
Wait, I'm not going? I'm like WTF? Don't I get to go? That's rude!
Then Inka said, "Get me the f$%& outta here," as the door shut behind them.
Forty minutes later, Abe returns sans Inka, and then it's like a flurry of suitcases, shoes, Pee-jays and toiletry bags, and pow, I'm in the crate and we're heading south. I know this because I always poop looking north. At least that's what NPR says.
A couple of hours later, and after enduring Elle and Abe's mindless conversation, ("Jeez, dude. God, did that guy have to whip around me?"), we arrived in what Abe called a "Ho-tell." Initially, I thought it was a prostitute recovery program or something, but then I realized it was just a room with a bed, TV, and a bathroom. It was like a mini apartment. It had carpet!
On the first day, the staff gave me cookies, which was awesome. And I got to see a new park a couple blocks away. But then the next day, Abe took me to a different park, and I realized that wait a second, this isn't just any old place. This was Champaign. Abe took me one of our old stomping grounds! It was awesome. Then I saw Bailey and Wiley. How did they know I was going to be there? And Shin and Distance. It was like X-mas! Well, it was the week of X-mas which was pretty cool!
That night we hung out at Shin and Distance's house with Bailey and Wiley and other people I remembered. Oh no! They had wood floors! Bailey, Wiley, and I got to eat pizza crumbs that people dropped. It was a great time!
The next day Abe and Elle packed up again and we headed back to the "spa." "Do you think we should hit it first before home?"
"I don't want to leave!" I thought, but alas… such is life. A couple hours later and a stop off to pee at a McDonalds, (They really do have good shrubs to mark. They smell like chicken nuggets), we picked up Inka.
The next day, though, I still ended up at the vet. Hehe! That's what happens when you have too much fun!


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On the combat operations floor of the nerve center for the air war against ISIS, David Martin and 60 Minutes cameras watch as a B-1 bomber zeroes in on its target. On one wall they can see a map tracking all the planes -- including Russian -- over Iraq and Syria. On another wall, they watch a live-video feed from an unmanned drone orbiting the target -- a cluster of buildings which U.S. intelligence believes is hiding an ISIS car bomb factory.
Lt. Gen. Charles Brown, the commander of the air war, joins them on the operations floor and describes the strike as it unfolds in real time. This is the first-ever look inside the command center -- located in a bunker-like building in the Persian Gulf country of Qatar -- for the 14-month-old air campaign against ISIS. Martin's report from inside the air war will be broadcast on 60 Minutes, Sunday October 25 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
The air war costs the U.S. $10 million-a-day and Lt. Gen. Brown describes for Martin the amount of work that single B-1 strike entailed. "Scheduling-wise [its] about a three-day process and some of those targets we've looked at for...days, weeks and sometimes months," he tells Martin.
The mission 60 Minutes follows results in the destruction of the buildings with secondary explosions indicating that explosives were stored inside. It is one of 47 such facilities the U.S. and allied planes have hit over the past six weeks. Brown acknowledges that ISIS will probably set up another factory elsewhere, but that, he says, is the nature of this war, which pits a superpower against an enemy intent on dragging the Middle East back to the Middle Ages.
"Our goal is to halt them wherever they are and take those kinds of things out . . . Every day we go out and strike it, it's one step closer. I can't tell you how many steps it's going to take," Brown says.


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Valuation Appeals
Customs Valuation
To provide a fair system for related parties in determining the value of goods, Thai Customs has established general procedures for settlement of disputes and appeals arising from valuation. Generally, the disputes arising from valuation are resolved between the importers and the Customs Department.
Who is eligible to appeal
To dispute the determination of Customs value of any imports, the importers may first discuss the matter with the Customs officers who have made the decision in the Customs House at the ports of entry/exit. If the valuation decision is still disputed and the importers want to the cargo to be released from Customs custody, a cash guarantee or other form of security covering the maximum amount of taxes and duties must be placed with Customs. The determination of Customs value is then re-considered in details, based on the 6 valuation methods under the WTO valuation system, at the port of entry. In case where the importers still do not agree with the decision of the port of entry, they have a right to appeal against such decision by forwarding the issue to the Appeal Committee.
In the appeal process, the importers have to submit a written request for valuation appeal and supporting documents to the Customs Standard Procedures and Valuation Bureau within 30 days from the date of receiving an Assessment Notice from Customs. The responsible officer then verifies the appeal request and forwards it to the Appeal Committee on Customs Valuation for a valuation decision and ruling.
Please note that the appeal request must be made in the form as indicated by Customs known as Form Kor Sor Kor 171 . The request form together with all supporting documents e.g. an Assessment Notice, amount of Customs value, the ground for the valuation appeal, etc., then lodge to Customs as mentioned above.
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The following is a list of documents Customs has found useful in considering the valuation appeal :
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Other documents (if any) e.g. a sale contract, an invoice, a price list, a catalogue, etc.
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, , , , , , , , ,
Ang Thong
Chai Nat
Lop Buri
Nakhon Nayok
Nakhon Pathom
Pathum Thani
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Samut Prakan
Samut Sakhon
Samut Songkhram
Sing Buri
Suphan Buri
Kamphaeng Phet
Nakhon Sawan
Uthai Thani
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Phang Nga
Surat Thani
Chon Buri
North East
Amnat Charoen
Buri Ram
Khon Kaen
Maha Sarakham
Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Ratchasima
Nong Bua Lamphu
Nong Khai
Roi Et
Sakon Nakhon
Ubon Ratchathani
Udon Thani,
General Information
Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.
Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai,
was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.
Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.
King Mengrai Festival This festival is held from January 26 - February 1 every year. The festival features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom.
Lychee Fair This is held annually in May. Celebrating the provinces tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.
Songkran Festival Traditional Thai New year celebrations are best seen at Chiang Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attractions. The festival is annually held from April 16-18.
Local Products
Chiang Rai is rich in handicrafted items such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hilltribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products. Certain food items are quite popular such as Naem and Mu Yo ( preserved and fermented pork sausages). Agricultural products include lichee (April-May), pineapples and tea, as well as other cool-climate produce from various royal projects.
Chiang Rai is rich in handicrafted items such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hilltribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products. Certain food items are quite popular such as Naem and Mu Yo ( preserved and fermented pork sausages). Agricultural products include lichee (April-May), pineapples and tea, as well as other cool-climate produce from various royal projects.
Chiang Khong is a small, peaceful district on the bank of the Mekong River opposite Huaixai, Lao PDR. It is about 115 kilometers from the provincial seat, or approximately 55 kilometers to the east of Chiang Saen on Highway No. 1129. Chiang Khong is noted as the place where Pla Buk, giant catfish, is cultivated. The Chiang Khong Fishery Station is able to inseminate and breed Pla Buk, the largest fresh water fish in the world and fingerlings bred here have been released in several rivers. It should be noted that the fishing season is from mid-January to May.
Sightseeing trips by boat are available to view the scenery and life styles along the Mekong River. An additional attraction is a visit to Ban Hat Bai, a Thai Lu community noted for making beautiful local fabrics. To cross over to Huaixai town in Lao PDR, contact the immigration office or tour agencies at Chiang Khong.
An ancient town located on the bank of the Mekong River, Chiang Saen was originally called Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang. It served as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom until King Mengrai established Chiang Rai as the capital in 1262. Ruins of the old double city walls and many other antiquities remain both inside and outside the district town. Most notable is the distinctive style of Buddhist sculpture which evolved in Chiang Saen during the late thirteenth century providing proof of the city's historical importance.
Rich cultural heritage, coupled with natural tourist attractions, has made Chiang Saen a unique tourist destination.
Travelling to Chiang Saen
By car: This riverside town facing the Mekong River is 30 kilometers from Mae Chan District via Highway No. 1016. Alternatively, it can be reached by taking Highway No. 110 from Chiang Rai (the city), then take a right turn into Highway No. 1016 and proceed for another thirty kilometers.
Rental car: It may probably be easier rent a car in Chiang Rai and then drive to Chiang Saen, but renting a motorbike may be a better bet as the roads one will probably explore in the area are easier to negotiate by two wheeled transport.
Buses: There are numerous buses traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen for around 20 baht one way. The trip can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and the number of stops it makes en-route. If you travel from Chiang Mai, it is advisable to ask for the 'new route' (sai mai) as this only takes 4 to 5 hours and makes only a few stops en-route. The old route can take over 9 hours to complete with many stops along the way.
Drive five kilometers south of Chiang Saen, along Highway No. 1016 (Chiang Saen-Mae Chan route), take a left turn and you will find Chiang Saen Lake: a large natural reservoir with scenic surroundings. The lake is home to large flocks of migratory waterfowls which are most plentiful and can be seen at their best from November through February. In addition to the scenery, accommodations and water sports facilities are available.
Located in old town Chiang Saen, this museum exhibits artifacts excavated locally including a well-known Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha image and Lanna Thai artifacts. Inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself can be found in the museum. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu and other hill tribes. These items include musical instruments, ornaments and opium-smoking accessories. The museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m., except on national holidays.
The Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park houses several sections to be explored and various exhibitions to be contemplated. For example, the 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents An Invitation to the Mysterious World of Opium from Darkness to Light, the history of opium as of 5,000 years ago from its natural properties to its uses. It traces opium's global journey through trade routes in the age of imperialism, culminating in the Opium Wars-an event that disgraced both winners and losers that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. It also features Siamese wisdom in confronting the West and the eventual control of opium problems.
Other exhibits are presented in a manner that encourages visitors learn how drugs become a part of everyday life and understand the impact of opium on society in terms of crime, conflict and illegal drugs. Additionally, the Hall of Opium presents efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer alternatives and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.
The Hall of Opium also displays paraphernalia associated with opium smoking and trading, along with many photographs, films, and videos about opium and other illegal drugs from countries around the world.
The Hall of Opium is situated in Chiang Saen District, opposite the Anatara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa: Tel: 0 5378 4444 Fax: 0 5365 2133,
E-mail: email@example.com, Website: www.goldentrianglepark.com
Just two kilometers away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phra That Doi Pu Khao which is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century. This riverside temple near Sop Ruak Market is located on a hill just before the Golden Triangle and offers a spectacular view of the Golden Triangles riverine and mountain areas. The vihan and crumbled chedis are the only visible remains of antiquities today.
Located about 4 kilometres along the Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong Road is Phra That Pha Ngao which has a bell-shaped chedi situated on large boulders. Nearby is a vihan where several old Chiang Saen-style Buddha statues are enshrined. This hilltop temple offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos and of Chiang Saen itself.
A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand! This famed border location where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the center of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand.
Travel approximately 9 kilometers north of old town Chiang Saen, along the road parallel to the Mekong River to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myammar and Laos converge. This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is locally referred to as "Sop Ruak". Within this area are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the fact that the area had been settled by people in the past. It is also the area where various legends concerning the Lanna ancestors originate.
Boats can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively, depending on river currents and water levels.
Located outside the city walls, approximately one kilometer to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang is Wat Pa Sak, which used to be the resedence of the patriarch. When King Saen Phu built the temple in 1295, three hundred teak trees were planted hence the name Pa Sak (Teak Forest). With ornamental stucco motifs, the temples chedi, which is 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 meters wide, is regarded as being one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna architecture in northern Thailand.
Next to Chiang Saen National museum is an ancient 88-meter high, bell-shaped, Lanna style principal chedi which has a 24 meter circumference base. Constructed in 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna kingdom, it is the tallest religious Lanna monument in Chiang Rai. In addition, there are also remains of ancient vihans and chedis.
Located approximately 1.7 kilometres from town, this hilltop temple has a pagoda containing a Buddha relic.
Situated not far away from Wat Phra That Chom Kitti is Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell stories about the various reincarnations of the Lord Buddha.
Mae Chan, which is about 29 kilometers to the north of Chiang Rai, serves as a trading post where the Akha and Yao hill people sell their goods and buy manufactured items. Silver and other tribal handicrafts are available at local shops.
Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience, delicious native Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses catering to visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. The scenery is especially picturesque in December and January when sakuras are in full bloom. Scattered with many hill tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for trekking.
To reach Doi Mae Salong, take the Chiang Rai-Mae Chan route for 29 kilometers, then turn left and proceed for another 41 kilometers (passing a hot spring). The return trip can be taken on routes nos. 1234 and 1130 which wind through Yao and Akha hill tribe villages. From Doi Mae Salong a road leads to Tha Thon, the starting point for the Kok River cruise, a distance of 45 kilometers. There are hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists and a paved road leading to the village.
Doi Pha Tang is located 32 kilometers from Wiang Kaen District and 160 kilometers from the provincial town. The scenic mountain is the home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minorities. The Haws are the former 93rd Chinese Division who moved to settle on Doi Pha Tang. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Thai and Lao rural areas. The mountain is more popular during winter when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and a sea of mist covers the whole area.
Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. IN addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.
Also located on Doi Tung Mountain is a beautiful royal residence known as Phra Tamnak Doi Tung. The royal villa, situated on the slopes of the adjacent Pa Kluay Reservoir, was to serve as a royal winter retreat for the Princess Mother, who passed away in 1995 and was originally built on the theory that the local hill tribes would be honored by the royal presence and thereby cease their opium cultivation.
The main attraction for visitors to Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is 'Suan Mae Fa Luang', the beautiful landscaped gardens filled with hundreds of different kinds of plants and flowers, named in honor of the Princess Mother and the Doi Tung Development Project established by the late Princess Mother in 1987.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung is situated on top of Doi Tung Mountain, the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province with an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, about 50 kilometers south of Mae Sai town which is near the Myanmar border. The temple can be reached via a 40-kilometer mountain road which meanders along the mountainside. The journey is worthwhile as the panoramic views into Laos and Myanmar at the peak are spectacular.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung was constructed in the 10th century and was renovated by Chiang Rai's most famous ruler King Mengrai during the 13th century and by the famous Chiang Mai monk, Khru Ba Siwichai, at the turn of the 20th century.
The temple complex is comprised of twin Lanna style chedis, one of which is said to contain the left collarbone of the Lord Buddha. Throughout the year, the holy relic draws devout Buddhists from all over Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hill tribes near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoet Thai-Ban Huai In route which winds along the steep mountain edges. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the Akha, Hmong and Muser tribes. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most spectacular in November when the yellow wild sunflowers are in full bloom.
Mae Sai which is about 62 kilometers from the provincial seat on Highway No. 110 is Thailand's northern-most district. Mae Sai borders on Myanmar's Tha Khi Lek marked by the Mae Sai River with a bridge spanning both sides. Foreign visitors are allowed to cross over to Tha Khi Lek market by presenting their passports and paying a fee at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint. In addition, there are tour services to Chiang Tung in Myanmar, which is approximately 160 kilometers north by road.
The Population and Community Development Association (PDA) is a non-government organization responsible for some of the most effective tribal development projects in the region. The popular "Cabbages & Condoms" restaurants, with branches here and in Bangkok (and now a resort in Pattaya), carry their important message of safe sex and family planning. On the top floor of this office is a small Hilltribe Museum that's heavy on "shop" and light on "museum," but the admission goes to a good cause. Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; admission fee is 50B ($1.20)/person. Address: 620/25 Thanalai Rd., east of Wisetwang Road (tel. 0 5371-9167)
Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous knowledge as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Located at the former town hall, it is open to the public on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi Ngam Muang in Muang District was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in Muang District at the intersection leading to Mae Chan. King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (now commonly known as Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.
The Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. It runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and then flows on to meet the Maekhong River at Chiang Khong. From Baan Thathon boats, rafts and treks leave daily venturing into the surrounding mountains where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters. A long-tailed boat can be hired to ferry visitors up and down the river. Stops can be made at Akha or Iko, Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages. Alternatively stops can be made at the Buddha cave, a temple within a cavern; an elephant camp, for trekking; a hot spring; and a riverside Lahu village. Trips range from 300 bahts to 700 bahts ($7-$16), depending on the number of stops made. The ferry pier is beyond the bridge across from the Dusit Island Resort.
Ku Phra Chao Mengrai This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in the Chiang Rai township area. It is the place where the ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.
Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway No.1211 from Chiangrais town. After traveling 18 kilometers turn right and proceed for another 12 kilometers. Alternatively, you can drive along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometers, turn right and proceed for another 17 kilometers, then take a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The 70-metre high Khun Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall is the highest and most beautiful in the province. Surrounded with dense woods, the area is also good for hiking.
Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, one kilometer from the town center. The collection includes objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing northern Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts including lacquer ware, silver jewelry and clothing. Most notable is a golden bowl, a masterpiece, used by royals. It is open daily from 9 am. to 6 pm. Admission fee is 100 bahts per person. For more information call 0-5371-3349.
Rai Mae Fah Luang is a cultural centre and centre of Lanna Studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage.There are 5 exhibit areas namely
a. The Botanical Gardens and Nature Park
b. The Haw Khumm(Golden Pavilion)
c. The Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion)
d. Sala Kaew-A ceremonial space for riturals
e. Haw Kaew-Gallery of Lanna Cultureal Arts.
Rai Mae Fah Luang opens daily from 10.00-18.00 hrs. except Monday.
Entrance fee: Baht 200
Wat Doi Thong (Phra That Chomthong) sits atop a hill above the northwest side of town, up a steep staircase off Kaisornrasit Road. This location where King Mengrai is believed to have chosen the site for his new Lanna Capital offers an overview of the town and a panorama of the Mae Kok Valley. The chedi of Wat Doi Tong containing what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time that the town as being built. The circle of columns at the top of the hill surrounds the city's new lak muang (city pillar), built to commemorate the 725th anniversary of the city and King Bhumibhol's 60th birthday.
Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong is located within the city walls. This temple was built by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th Lanna ruler in 1489. A 1,200-kilogram Buddha statue with a lap width of 2 meters and height of over three meters was cast and named Phra Chao Lan Thong. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip which is made of brass in the Sukhothai style was also cast.
Wat Phra Kaeo, which is located on Trairat Road on the northwest side of town, is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailands most important Buddha statue which was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their capitals including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally being enshrined in Bangkok's royal Wat Phra Kaeo. There is now a green jade replica of the image on display. The temple also houses a 700-year bronze statue of Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen style ubosot.
Wat Phra Sing is 2 blocks east of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on Singha Klai Road. The restored temple is thought to date from the 15th century. Inside is a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly revered Theravada Buddhist image, as the original was removed to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh. The original buildings are fine examples of classic religious Lanna architecture, with their low sweeping roofs.
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. To get there from the city of Chiang Rai, drive north along Asia Highway.
Doi Luang National Park is 65 kilometers south of Chiang Rai town and covers an area of 1,170 square kilometers in Phan District. Apart from hiking trails, the forested park features a few waterfalls of which the largest is Pu Kaeng Waterfall. This impressive fall has nine leaps and flows all year round. To reach Pu Kaeng Waterfall drive along the Chiang Rai-Phayao route for 58 kilometers to arrive at Ban Pu Kaeng. At kilometer 77, take a right turn and proceed on for another 9 kilometers. It is a large waterfall amid virgin jungle with water cascading down limestone brooks. Camping areas and jungle trekking services are available.
Doi Pha Mon is located at Amphoe Thoeng. During the winter months visitors are treated to splendid flower bed s of tulips, lilies, red salvia, poinsettias, etc. To get to Doi Pha Mon from the city, go along Highway No. 1020, then take Highway No. 1155. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Phu Chi Fa is approximately 25 kilometers to the south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. The cool climate produces colorful flowering shrubs and the large meadow on the top provides breathtaking views of Laos. In addition, spectacular scenery can be seen from the sheer cliff of Phu Chi Fa, especially the sea of mist at sunrise. Visitors can stay overnight at Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai.
Khun Chae National Park is located at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai of Wiang Pa Pao District. It can be reached by taking the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Route (Highway No. 118). The park headquarters is right next to the highway at kilometers 55-56. Visitors wishing to take a jungle trek and camp within the park need to procure the services of a guide and prepare their own camping equipment. The trek through the Khun Chae jungle is for adventure travel enthusiasts as the route passes through steep terrain and several hilltops and cliffs over 1,400 meters high. There are good scenic lookout points and trekkers can enjoy waterfalls, flowing streams and virgin jungle areas covered with various plants.
Wiang Kalong, a newly-developed tourist attraction, is a community about 16 kilometers from the district office of Wiang Pa Pao. Ancient furnaces which were used to make terra cotta utensils called Kalong have been found in this area. The furnaces are shaped like turtle shells of various sizes with a width of 2 to 5 meters. To get there from the city, drive south along the Divided Highway No. 1 for 8 kilometers then take a right turn onto Highway No. 118 to Wiang Pa Pao (approximately 75-80 kilometers). For those wishing to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai via the Doi Saket Highway No. 1014, it is highly recommended to stop over at Wiang Kalong as it is on the way to Chiang Mai.
620/25 Thanalai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*hilltribe handicrafts
Tel :: 0 5371 9167, 0 5371 1475
Website :: -
Email :: -
869/84 Phisitsangwan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai silk, cotton, local handicrafts
Tel :: 0 5371 7065
Website :: -
Email :: -
869/84 Phisitsangwan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai silk, cotton, local handicrafts
891 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*silverware, wooden handicrafts
Tel :: 0 5371 4877
Website :: -
Email :: -
891 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*silverware, wooden handicrafts
620/25 Thanalai Road , Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*International food
Dusit Island Resort, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
455 Mu 4 Mae Yang-Chiang Rai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai Chinese food
869/18 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai food
402/12 Banphaprakan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai-Chinese food
Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Chinese food
Saenphu Hotel Intersection, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
528/20 Banphaprakan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*European food
In front of Wangcome Hotel, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
226/50 Sankhong Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Northern style food with dances
834/3 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai and Local food
211/9 Khwae Wai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Wang Come Hotel, Pemawiphak Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
To Stay
603 Mu 14 Doi Khao Khwai, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Tel :: 0 5371 7844-6 Fax: 0 5371 5883
Website :: -
Email ::
Total :: 35 bungalows
481 Mu 4 Doi Khao Khwai, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Tel :: 0 5371 7552
Website :: -
Email :: -
6 Mu 4 Chiang Rai-Tha Ton Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Tel :: 0 5371 6445-60 Fax: 0 5371 5859
Website :: -
Email :: -
893 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Tel :: 0 5371 1533-53 Fax: 0 5371 1877
Website :: -
Email :: -
0 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Tel :: 0 5371 3785-9 Fax: 0 5371 4336
Website :: -
Email :: -
How to get there
By Air
Thai Airways has daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, the Chiang Rai Office tel. 0 5371 1179, 0 5371 5207, or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.
One-Two-Go offers daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Call 1126 or book online at http://www.fly12go.com
By Bus
The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.
By Car
Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.
By Rail
There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang
(9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.
By Boat
The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.
By Bus
Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.
Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.
Chiang Rai City Map


text:
The Oregonian
By Nick Budnick
November 07, 2014
Matt Mastrantuono, 28, describes himself as "someone who uses their health insurance more than they want to."
But the self-employed Portland filmmaker thought he was good to go when open enrollment closed for 2014. He'd purchased a Health Net policy for $237 a month that featured a mere $100 deductible before coverage kicks in and a $1,000 cap on his out-of-pocket expenses.
When Mastrantuono was preparing to see a specialist at Oregon Health & Science University, however, he realized OHSU was not part of his new plan's network. OHSU does accept Health Net, but only certain of its plans — and not his.
The "community care" plan he'd purchased places strict limits on which providers you can use. But open enrollment was over, so he couldn't change plans until 2015.
"I was essentially locked in for another six months," he said.
Mastrantuono's experience shows the new uncertainties in today's insurance world, said Jesse O'Brien, a consumer advocate who tracks health insurance for The OSPIRG Foundation. He says it's no longer enough to only ask your provider, "Do you take Health Net?"
Insurers are increasingly using narrow or "skinny" networks to keep costs down, allowing them to offer lower premiums in the new, highly competitive world of the individual and business markets.


text:
|Blue duct, oil on board, 15 x 20cm
Radius presents over 100 small oil paintings of objects and scenes found within a short walking distance of the gallery in which they are exhibited, radiating out from a small laneway in Brunswick, Melbourne: dumpsters, tram passengers, kitchen sinks, boom gates and so on. The most ordinary things and the weather and light that describe them are beautiful and mysterious, but it is hard to realise this unless we are compelled to stop and study them beyond a passing glance. Visitors are invited to look at the paintings, then take a short walk to consider again the fascinating shapes, forms and colours of their immediate radius.
An online catalogue will be available soon, and I'll continue regularly posting paintings from this show here. Fore more info: http://www.tinningstreetpresents.com