Naresuan University

Naresuan University (NU.) is a government sponsored university in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. It was established as a separate university on July 29,1990, which was the 400th anniversary of the beginning of the reign of Phitsanulok born King Naresuan the Great. A coutyard with a large statue of King Naresuan is located on the grounds and is worshipped by the students. The university now numbers about 20,000 students.

On January 18, 1964, the Royal Thai Ministry of Education resolved to create a branch of the College of Education ( located in Bangkok ) for teacher training in each region of the country. On January 25, 1967 the Phitsanulok campus was established as the fourth branch of the College of Education and was meant to serve mainly the northern provinces. In 1974 (the year I was born) the College of Education was upgraded to university status and was named Srinakharinwirot University, Phitsanulok campus. Originally, only the third and fourth years of university study were offered, and students were admitted by competitive examination after completing the curriculum at one of the nation's associate degree level teacher training colleges. But in 1976, the first and second years were added. Over the years majors besides education were included, and in 1990 the Phitsanulok campus became independent of Srinakarinwirot University and was designated as Naresuan University for celebration of King Naresuan the Great's 400th years anniversary of ascending to the throne.

In September 2006, Naresuan University was ranked as "Very Good" level in research among the Thai universities by Commission on Higher Education.

Naresuan University also has another campus in Phayao which operated in 1999 .

The university has 16 faculties are Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Medical Science, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Science, Public Health, Education, Humanities, Law, Management and Information Science, Social Sciences, Agriculture Natural Resources & Enivormen, Architecture, Engineering, Science.

Thai Kite

In the summer, we have a famous traditional sport in Thailand is the kite flying. It starts on early March marks the beginning of the kite flying seasons. The event features numerous traditional sports conpetitions and folk music performance. In Bangkok , SanamLuang is the center for kite flyer (and also in Phitsanulok there are some people to play). It is the large field in front of the Royal Palace . On every summer, you will see a lot of people playing kites here. A lot of Thai kite fly into the sky. The next time I will explain the more details like Thai kite fighthing and souvenir.

The Amarin Lagoon Hotel

The hotel Amarin Lagoon began its operation in 1994 as the five-star hotel in Phitsanuloke and also in the lower Northern region of Thailand. With the 66 rai beautiful lagoon scenery and the well designing landscape, these make Amarin Lagoon the most luxurious hotel in the city. Beside that, the hotel has the largest Convention Hall in the lower Northern Region which can contain more than 1,500 people and well equipped with the most advanced lighting and sound system.The beautiful and elegant resort hotel is located within the lagoon setting of Phitsanulok with views to the plain and the mountains beyond. Relax and enjoy yourself in the calm and friendly atmosphere of our superbly equipped hotel and its extensive grounds. Experience the true Thailand and get away from the noise of the city.

Look out on the beautiful natural vista of the Phitsanulok plain and onwards to the mountains. All our rooms are elegantly and comfortably appointed and every room is equipped with: multinational television, international direct dial telephone, mini bar, bedside control panel for lights and TV, and luxurious en suite bathroom. All rooms are fully air-conditioned with variable temperature control to suit all needs.

The Health and Fitness Centre
For more vigorous exercise go to our fully-equipped health and fitness center where you can also have a beauty treatment or enjoy a traditional Thai massage with one of our beautiful and professionally trained masseuses. Aerobics are laid on for relaxed exercise and the Amarin Lagoon's superb sauna can complete a day of feeling really good.

Relax Yourself
With a relaxed holiday in the varied complex of the Amarin Lagoon Hotel. When nothing more strenuous beckons, chill out by our designed swimming pool and have a cool drink at our pool side bar.
As an exciting alternative-to our principal restaurant, try a visit to the Arunyika, the Chinese and Thai Restaurant. Nestling amid palms and tropical flowers of the Amarin Lagoon's garden. You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy a variety of Thai and international cuisine, including an extensive a' la carte menu. The evening sound of Western and Thai music from live musicians will make your evening. Take tea, coffee or a beer in our comfortable Lobby Bar or just relax and listen to some of Thailand's best music.

Additional Services
These include our transfer service between Phitsanulok Airport and the hotel, in our new minibus, a babysitting service, a reliable and efficient laundry, valet service, car rental facilities, and use of the hotel's safe deposit boxes.

Convention Center
The Amarin Lagoon Convention Center is the largest and best equipped in the area. We have hosted a large number of major conventions and business seminars, all supported by state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and versatile lighting. The Convention Center can flexibly accommodate small, medium and large events, and is designed to meet your special needs.
Amarin Lagoon Hotel
52/299 Praongkhao Road, Muang,
Phitsanulok 65000

Siamese Cat (Thai Cat)

The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognised breeds of Oriental cat. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is believed to be from Southeast Asia , and is said to be descended from the sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand). In Thailand, where they are one of several native breeds, they are called Wichien-maat (a name meaning "Moon diamond"). In the twentieth century the cats became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America.

Phra Ta Maprang Amulets : Wat Ta Maprang Phitsanulok

Apart from the prominent Phra Nang Phaya amulets of Pitsanulok province, this area also produced many other highly respected votive tablets such as the famous Phra Ta-Maprang amulets.

Phra Ta-Maprang amulets were discovered more than 100 years ago and interestingly were recorded at least twice in recent history, although there may have been other unrecorded discoveries.

The first time was in B.E.2440 when locals living near Wat Ta-Maprang temple found by chance an ancient Kru, or cell that had been untouched for centuries.

Shortly afterwards rumours were rife about the magical qualities of these Phra Ta-Maprang amulets which found in the kru.

In B.E.2445, a high ranking official of King Rama V, name Chaopraya Surasakdi had heard these rumours and wanted to know whether there was any truth in them.

He therefore requested that a small number of troops search the temple for any remaining amulets. A further kru was discovered full of amulets and this effectively was the second discovery.

After Chaopraya Surasakdi had discovered this new batch he donated many to actively serving troops who were involved in a local skirmish between the Thai and Ngiaw, a minority ethnic group. Although the Ngiaw were a small minority that were courageous in battle not easily overcome. In fact many were armed with rifles where as the Thai soldiers only possessed knives and swords.

It is said that once the troops had received the Ta Maprang amulets, no bullets were to cause no further casualties or injuries, an event that frightened the Ngiaw soldiers. In fact so much so that many deserted leaving their weapons behind on the battlefield.

After this incident the Phra Ta-maprang amulets were named Phra Ta-maprang Niaw Ting Buen amulets. The phrase “Ting Buen” translated literally means ''throw away guns'

Phra Ta-Maprang amulets were created at Wat Tamaprang temple located beside the Nan River. No records exist as to who may have created these amulets but the power is well known throughout Thailand.

It was assumed that the temple was so named because of the large number of Maprang trees in the vicinity.

However another explanation was that several hundred years ago there was a Prang situated at the front of temple but later was destroyed by the erosion. (The Thai word “Prang or Phra Prang” means a kind of Thai Chedi, that was influenced by Khmer art. ).

Muay Thai

Muay Thai ("Thai Boxing") is the Thai name for a form of hard martial art practiced in several Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Cambodia (where it is known as Pradal Serey), Malaysia (where it is known as Tomoi) and as a similar style in Myanmar (called Lethwei) and in Laos (Muay Lao). The different styles of fighting in mainland Southeast Asia are analogous to the different types of Kung Fu in China or Silat in the South East Asian islands or the Malay World. It is the national sport of Thailand, and is also known as Thai Boxing or The Art of the Eight Limbs.

Muay Thai, translated into English as Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand and is a martial art with origins in the ancient battlefield tactics of the Siamese (or Thai) army. It evolved from Krabi-Krabong, literally sword and baton, the hand-to-hand tactics of the Thai army. The early Muay Thai bouts pitted different companies within the Siamese army against each other with few rules and no weight divisions or time limits. They became quite popular and eventually were shown in stadia across the country. In the early 20th century, time limits, boxing gloves as well as a uniform set of rules were introduced. During the latter half of the 20th century Muay Thai was exported to many countries and is now practiced by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world.

Muay Thai is known as "King of the Ring" in kickboxing circles. These fights feature punches, kicks, elbows, knees, standing grappling and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent. Thai training methods develop devastating power, speed and superb cardio-vascular endurance as well as fighting spirit. Muay Thai training as also quite safe thanks to sophisticated pad training that evolved to keep fighters healthy between fights. Muay Thai has also proven very effective outside the ring and has been embraced enthusiastically by practitioners of a variety of self-defense, sporting, military and law enforcement activities