Thailand 2011 Events

Globally known for its white sand beaches and tropical scenery, Thailand has fast developed into a multi-dimensional destination with regular international sporting events and concerts offering an appealing addition to any visitor's wish list.  

Travellers to the Kingdom already enjoy a diverse choice of destinations, adventures and indulgences when they spend their holiday in the "Land of Smiles", but the added draw of an ever-growing list of world class events means that many visitors now time their holiday to coincide with a particular concert, show, sports tournament or cultural festival. A number of national and regionally based PR and events management companies in Thailand now compete for both domestic and foreign audiences, while corporate sponsorship and online portals give these events global reach.

The range of events already scheduled for 2011 in Thailand appeals to a wide range of interests and passions and also sees a number of world famous musicians and sports people arriving to perform and compete. The schedule includes American rock bands, Japanese golfers and Australian tennis players, not to mention yachtsmen and triathletes. Each month brings something different that promises visitors far more than coconut palms and soothing sea breezes.

Rocking the capital

Thailand has been attracting top musicians from around the world for many years and Bangkok is no a definite stop on most bands Asian tour schedule. This year  will see some of the music industry's top rock artists take to the stage in the Thai capital, as well as some rising stars.

Rock and Blues legend Eric Clapton will grace the city with his presence in February. The man behind classic songs such as Layla, Wonderful Tonight and Tears in Heaven will perform to a full house on February 16 at the IMpact Arena in Muang Thon Thani. Just a few days later on 20 Feb, soft rock heroes The Eagles are booked to perform at the same venue, another guaranteed sell out gig. Thai music lovers consider the band one of the all time greats and Hotel California is still as popular today as when it was first released back in 1977.

Other big names in rock slated to perform in the Thai capital in 2011 include German stars, Scorpions, also in February and the Mexican American superstar, Santana who will play in Bangkok on March 1 as part of his Guitar Heaven tour. Meanwhile those who prefer their rock more on the heavy side can book a ticket for Slash on March 10.

Top flight sports

Sports fans are not forgotten when it comes to Thai based events and tournaments. The kingdom boasts its own busy sporting calendar and in the last few years has produced some talented competitors who have performed well on the world stage, particularly in sports such as tennis and golf.

As a reflection of the level of interest in both these sports, Pattaya will host 2 major international competitions this year, both of them in February. The first event is the PTT Thailand Open, which takes place from February 7 - 13 and will bring up to up to 48 of the world's leading tennis players to the coastal city. The tournament carries prize money of US$220,000 and to mark its 20th anniversary the organizers have lined up  a star studded list of competitors featuring Grand Slam champions, top ranked players and the best of Thailand's female tennis talent.

Another major women's sporting competition scheduled for February is the Honda LPGA Thailand 2011, also taking place in Pattaya from February 17 - 20. The field of Honda LPGA Thailand 2011, which will feature a 60-player field boasting some of the world's top lady golfers including the top 50 players on the LPGA Money list. The women will compete in a stroke play tournament over 72 holes for a purse prize of US$ 1.45 million.

This is the fifth edition of the Honda LPGA and is also the season opener for the year and therefore an important dte for those in the race to be World's No.1. The Rolex Rankings No. 1 spot has switched nine times, passing between just three different players since Lorena Ochoa retired. Shin Ji Yai, Cristie Kerr and Ai Miyazato are the three favourites, although this season: Suzann Pettersen, Paula Creamer and Na Yeon Choi are also hot tips to vie for the crown.

Action on the water

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