I Love Thailand » holiday

How to Holiday in Thailand & Save Money

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:30:00 +0000

I escaped the harsh winters of Northern Europe many years ago and for the last eight years, Thailand has been my permanent home. Iâm constantly asked why I chose to live in Thailand and for those whoâve never visited âThe Land of Smilesâ, the answer is simple. Friendly tolerant people, a warm tropical climate, a stimulating variety of Asian food and vibrant entertainment. Thailand is a magnetic Country and if you survive your first encounter with the unlimited temptations, Iâm confident that youâll return many times, searching forÂ more personal satisfaction and ‘raising the barrier’ each time. Visitors to Thailand can join a completely free VIP Membership Club and benefit from huge savings and discounts that are being offered by local businesses. A holiday in Thailand would not be complete without a visit to one, or all, of the three major tourist areas namely Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok. Though the general reception that travelers receive is similar, they differ strikingly in respect to the costs of living and tourist activities. The Thaiâs affectionately refer to this as; Same Same But Different. This is how a savvy traveler whoâs astute enough to join an Asia Privilege Club, can save money and benefit from large discounts and free bonuses that are being offered by a growing number of businesses in Thailand who are trying to attract new customers. Allow me to give you some examples and you could save money in Thailand. Â Are you considering a holiday in Pattaya? Infamously regarded as âThe Extreme Cityâ, Pattaya nestles along a picturesque bay on the Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, and is approximately 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. Originally a fishing village in the 1960âs, Pattaya has emerged as one of the most popular Southeast Asian vacation regions. Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, having a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day with endless activities from dusk until dawn, or you may choose to do nothing at all and simply relax. Thailandâs original tourist resort is a mix of naughty nightlife, great restaurants, sunny beaches, curious attractions, family-friendly leisure parks and good value shopping. Just one hour from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, this lively town is a multi-cultural destination. One of the best value-for-money experiences for tourists in Pattaya is the incredible variety of International food thatâs available, which include the spices of Thai food, the aromatic herbs of Indian dishes, fresh Seafood platters, Italian cuisine and of course Traditional English Food. All of these culinary treats are on offer daily and a VIP member of the Asia Privilege Club can benefit by saving up to 25% off selected food and drinks menus. Simply produce your FREE Membership Club Card and both travelers and ex-pats gain a privilege of cash savings in Pattaya. So how can I holiday in Phuket and save money? If itâs a luxurious holiday without the luxury price tag youâre looking for, Phuket offers a very satisfying experience. With the largest selection of hotels in the country youâre spoilt for choice, and the famous Thai hospitality creates some wonderful resorts. Thailandâs âJewel of the Andamanâ invites beach lovers with an exciting mix of stunning coastline, excellent hotels, fantastic scuba diving and day trips to sunny islands. Phuket is Thailandâs favourite destination, perfectly placed within reach of Krabi, the world famous Phi Phi Islands, Pha Nga Bay and the Similan Islands. A FREE VIP member of Asia Privilege Club can use the same privilege card all over Thailand, so huge savings and discounts are available in Phuket and other major Thai Provinces. Travelers to Phuket are enchanted by the warm clear azure blue waters around the island, and many choose to try scuba diving in Phuket, with PADI Diving Centers located in the main tourist areas. Some Dive Shops are offering up to 20% discount to a member of Asia Privilege Club if they show them their free membership club card. Try Scuba Diving in Phuket and save money with your Free Phuket Privilege Club Card. How to save money while shopping in Bangkok. Someone once sang . . . . ‘One night in Bangkok and the worldâs your oyster’! However, most tourists extend their stay to experience this amazing collection of history, culture, shopping, nightlife, people-watching and just great fun! In Bangkok, the extremes range from the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the gyrating girls in A go-go bars. Other night time activities include bars and restaurants, with the usual night market vendors and late night tourist services around Sukhumvit and Khao San Road. VIP Members of an Asia Privilege Club continue to save money in Bangkok. Many of the businesses in Thailandâs capital offer up to 50% off their products and services including Beauty & Spa, Dentists, Massage, Opticians, Plastic Surgery, Travel Services and Wedding Packages. Tourists can shop and save cash in Bangkok which offers some of the best value for money comfort of any major city and the choices are huge. Where else can you enjoy four star hotel comforts in a central area and receive the famous Thai smile complimentary. For business, pleasure or family needs, thereâs an experience to suit all budgets in this vibrant metropolis that just doesn’t sleep. Taking a holiday in Thailand can be a rewarding experience offering special privileges for the adventurous traveler. Having lived for many years in Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok, I would anticipate that all of these tourists destinations will satisfy your desires withÂ the free bonus that youâll save money as you travel in Thailand âThe Land of Smilesâ. Apply for your free vip membership card from the Asia Privilege Club and your holiday in Thailand may save you money by joining the fastest-growing web-based free members club in Asia. More information can be found on the web-site atÂ www. asia-privilege-club. com

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Holiday Pics

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:22:14 +0000

Thailand 2007

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Plan Your Cheap Holiday Underwater Vacation

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:24:58 +0000

Planning a cheap holiday underwater vacation delight might just take you to Thailand, Phuket, to be exact. This is quickly becoming one of the most spectacular vacation destinations for people with a love of the underwater world. You can take a yacht out to see where they offer you the most adventurous underwater vacation you could ever imagine. Of course, you need some experience before you go to Thailand for an underwater vacation, but it will be well worth the training. You will experience something that is unknown to many. The waters are considered virgins because there are not many people that explore the world of the unknown. The beautiful deep blue waters invite you jump in and meet the habitant of the underwater world. You will see an array of colors as well as many different species of plants and marine life that you have only seen in pictures. You can get up close and personal with many species, which makes this even more of a treasured cheap holiday vacation. The view around you as you set out on the deep blue water is just breathtaking. You can glaze for miles and see the beauty of the area. Many of the hotels and airlines work together with the locals to provide some nice packages for underwater explorers. You will find that not only is the day adventurous, but your nights are filled music and dancing or just sitting back and enjoying the Thai culture. The hotels offer many amenities that you will find included in your cheap holiday package. This just adds to the beauty of the vacation. You can plan your underwater vacation anytime of the year when the weather is just right for underwater exploring. Not many people request this type of vacation, therefore, you can rest assured you will be treated to a special time. View the world that only a few have seen and be the one to tell your friends how exciting the underwater world really is when you get to see the beauty of it. This is one cheap holiday vacation you will not want to pass up.

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An Ounce Of Security: 10 Useful Travel Points For A Safer Holiday

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:24:19 +0000

Traveling to far and unfamiliar destinations can cause you to meet unimaginable complications and dangers you never thought you’d have face. From simple street pick-pockets to malicious and phony police accusations, it is common knowledge that visitors are often the number one target of persons aiming to make quick cash using deceptions and other dirty acts. Everywhere we go, there are always mischievous persons watching, some dressed in sheep’s clothing, ready for anyone they can identify who can fall victim for their cons. Attention, caution and adequate preparation are the keys to making sure that your vacation does not turn into a roller coaster ride full of discouraging twists and distressing turns. To help you prevent these common vacation situations, I researched on the common difficulties and the ways on how to prevent them. Here are 10 safety tips to avoid being a travel victim. Keep your identity protected in your head- Getting together with new people in a new place is interesting and exciting but immediately trusting them your identity is a different issue. Giving out crucial information to strangers is a big no-no, especially that identity theft and scam issues are growing across the globe. Kidnapping and human trafficking are also two of the worst crimes that scare a lot of vacationers. On the other hand, proper handling of your private details like your full name, resort address, and even travel plans armed with adequate research of the place will keep you safe from spiteful experiences that you would pray not to come upon when traveling. Try to blend in- If you’re Caucasian going to an Asian country or the other way around, you’re sure to stand out- an easy fodder to spot amidst a crowd of locals. Bear in mind that these people are hunting for tourists- money carrying, stressed and confused tourists. Blending in is the key to hide yourself from these malevolent perpetuators. The key: dress and act the way locals do. Try to research the internet on how locals dress in the specific area that you want to visit, prior to jumping on the plane. If you’re going to a tropical country, pack shorts and airy, generic shirts. Never dress yourself in anything that exudes affluence. No gold chains, high-priced watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet, keep your jewelry at home. Be a smart and street-smart tourist- There are countries that are becoming the home of scammers, especially in third world nations that suffer from low income. Remember to be alert anytime, anywhere, specifically in public places. Never display your cash and stay away from unneeded interactions with strangers, because actions like these risk petty street crimes. Also, long talks should be carried out in safe locations like restaurants and bars in order to avoid unwarranted road problems. Always keep YOUR KIDS ON THE LOOP: If you choose to travel with kids, it’s highly recommended to educate them ahead of time on what to do in case they get lost. Teach them on how to get back to your hotel or residence, and write in a card all your information crucial to get in touch with you right away. Mobile phones are also very beneficial in this kind of situation. If you can afford to give your kids phones then it will be a lot of convenience to both sides. Note: Program your name and contact on the speed dial of your kid’s phone to make it much easier for them to contact you in case anything happens. Comply with THE LAW: Once you select your travel location, be sure to research on the place and its laws. It might be a bit dull at first but it might come in handy. All countries have laws built to control the people and even visitors are bound to these rules once you come to their territory. However, tourists also have their rights to practice. Remember that you have the right to call for your own lawyer, remain in silence, and deny an officer’s request if he cannot present the correct identifications. BE alert WHILE RIDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Some countries in the world offer rides that can only be seen in their area like the personal rickshaw in China or the Tuktok, a three-wheeled vehicle in Thailand powered by a motor. Whether it’s just the local train or bus, these public transport makes your vacation complete, but be cautious still when you’re on the ride. Secure your valuables at all times. Pick-pocketing is very widespread in local public transport so keep a watchful eye. KNOW SELF-DEFENSE: It’s not considered violence when you’re defending yourself from someone who has intentions to hurt you, it’s called SELF-DEFENSE. You don’t need to be a black-belt Karate master to look after yourself from mischievous individuals who try to steal your bag. Just make sure you have the right protection gadgets, such as stun-gun or pepper spray, and the proper knowledge on how to use it. In case you don’t have those defensive items, I suggest you have a flashlight at night and an umbrella during day time. Apparently, a perpetrator sees these items as a sign that the person is mindful of his or her surroundings and would rather choose another prey to victimize. KEEP EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS: Be informed of the emergency numbers in the area. List down the local police hotline numbers, hospitals, and clinics in your mobile phone or a piece of paper, and carry it when going around the area. If in case you find it hard to search, hotels and other accommodations provide directories or phone directory assistance to their guests. Take advantage of these services, you’ll never know when you’ll require them. Befriend a friend- Sometimes, prejudices can block you from discovering that there are actually people who are worth your trust. It isn’t wrong to be cautious, since it is vital especially if you are in a foreign land. However, you can also try to get to know someone who can actually aid you around the city. Bear in mind that locals know all the coolest spots, cheapest items, and other significant stories and details that you have to know in an area. Just make sure that you know the person first well, before giving out the critical information. Keep your important stuff- There have been a lot of recorded cases wherein travelers get robbed and along with the things taken from them are their travel papers. Although having the embassy is a lot of help during times like this, it will still cause you a lot of hardship, not only inside the country where you traveled but back home as well. New papers have to be filed in order for you to acquire new documents and identification, on top of a lot of other things. It’s always best to make sure that you’re identifications and travel documents are safe and photocopied before you go anywhere. Having copies of these documents can help you in more ways than one in the event that you lose them. These might just be bits of precautionary actions to enjoy a safe vacation trip. The best part about this is that you and your family are secured from harm while taking pleasure in the paradise right at your doorstep.

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A Specialty of Living In A Holiday Villa

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:18:12 +0000

Holiday rental villas are perhaps the most perfect way to experience the incredibility of the tropical island destinations in Thailand. A villa is simply a single detached structure, mostly built in the form of a luxury residence or an expansive country cottage. They are mostly situated in secluded places, and are not a segment of any planned community, resort complexes, or hotels. In contrast to high end hotels and upscale resorts that are expensive, a holiday rental villa is economic and provides visitors with a unique experience.
A villa is usually complete with two or three bedrooms, specious living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and superb bath areas. Further, in most cases, these villas are furnished, and come with amenities such as individually controlled air conditioning, personal safe, entertainment systems, CDs and DVDs, television with satellite channels, computers coupled with high speed broadband internet connections, and more.
Likewise, villa facilities cover private pools and sun deck, barbeque area, services of daily maid and professional chefs, laundry facilities, airport transfers, and sightseeing facilities. Depending upon the taste and budget of tourists, a variety of villa options is available such as boutique style villas, honeymoon villas, luxury villas, seaside villas, and large family villas, with more than four or five bedrooms.
One of the prime benefits of living in a rental holiday villas is that they provide maximum privacy and utter relaxation. Since mostly villas are situated in secluded places, they serve as an excellent retreat, and enable you to relax in solitude and enjoy the company of your friends as well as family in a serene space. Similarly, when staying in a villa, you have ultimate privacy in pools, Jacuzzi, and terrace.
Another great advantage of a holiday villa is that it provides you with a unique experience. As villas are tastefully appointed according to the unique culture of the place, it allows you to completely immerse in the culture of the location, thereby making your vacation memorable. Ultimate comfort is also a benefit of holiday private villa.
A specialty of holiday villas is that they are mostly attached with a fully equipped kitchen. This in turn enables you to cook your favorite dishes at any time. When you stay in a hotel, you have to follow hotel schedules and could eat only during a specified time. Further, it is not necessary that you could eat your favorite dishes. But, staying in a holiday villa avoids all these problems. Additionally, some villa providers even provide services of professional chefs for aged tourists and couples honeymooning.
In destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi, a range of villa accommodation choices are available to please any type of travelers. For instance, there are villas that are especially designed for westerners, such as European style villas. Also, a plus point of villa is the sheer space it renders. When compared to hotel rooms, a villa is much spacious, thereby making it a popular option for extended stays.
Likewise, a villa is an economic alternative over hotel rooms. Staying in a rental villa could sometimes save up to at least $300 per night or day. However, cost may be exceptionally high in the case of luxury villas. In addition, villas are an excellent choice for people vacationing with families or large groups. Further, since in most cases you rent it directly from the owners, it saves you money in terms of travel agent commission. Above all, a villa provides you freedom to live in your own pace as well as style. In short, a holiday rental villa truly serves as a home away from home.
A myriad of villa service providers are now in the scenario in order to help you find a villa in your desired location. There are some villa providers that render services in the form of packages covering accommodation, breakfast, maid services, laundry facilities, airport transfers, facilities for sightseeing, rental cars, and rental equipments for enjoying different water sport activities. With the introduction of the internet, it has now become quite easy to find a competent villa provider. Many of them even offer facilities for online booking.
If you have never stayed in a rental villa, then this time opt for a rental villa for your tropical vacation, and have great fun, while saving great amount of money.

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Pattaya Red Light District – Where You Should Stay for Holiday

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:15:49 +0000

The city of Pattaya in Thailand is certainly not well known for it’s beaches, but the glowing red light district in this sprawling city draws millions of visitors from all over the world. And staying in the right hotel is key to experiencing the vacation of a lifetime.
When planning a trip to Pattya’s red light district, or sex district as most would call it, you should choose a hotel that doesn’t charge their guest a fee for inviting a Thai bar girl back to your room. This is called a joiner fee and in Pattaya it’s usually between 300 Baht to 1300 Baht, depending on the hotel’s policy.
What you should do is make sure the hotel you’re staying in has a girl friendly policy. You may have heard of the other terms such as guest friendly hotels or no joiner fee hotels. This just means that these types of hotels don’t care if you bring in a lady for an overnight stay. However, if you’re the sexually adventurous type, they may request a joiner fee from you if you bring in two or more ladies.
Girl friendly hotels in Pattaya are conveniently found near and around the sex districts located in the southern end of the city. Walking Street, Beach Road, Soi Diamond are areas in south Pattaya filled with go go bars and massage parlors. Some cheap hotels are even right next to a sex business. However, those hotels are not recommended as the noise level may be quite high.
Compared to Bangkok, Pattaya’s girl friendly hotels are much more affordable and you get a lot of value for the amount you pay. For instance many of these hotels have swimming pools and modern equipped fitness centers for guest use. Even better is that many of these hotels are so well maintained they look almost brand new. Yet the rule of thumb is still the more you pay, the better the hotel rooms.
The best girl friendly hotels are located along the areas of Second Road and parts of Third Road. These areas are close to Walking Street yet far enough for seclusion and quiet for peaceful relaxation.
Such examples of these hotels are Sabai Inn, LK Metropole, LK Renaissance, Sunshine Hotel & Residence, Areca Lodge and Tim Boutique Hotel.
When you’re booking a girl friendly hotel in Pattaya on the Internet you should keep several alternative hotel choices in mind. Because Pattaya is a very popular tourist destination and your first choice hotel may not have any rooms available. By selecting a few back up choices you’ll be able to avoid ruining your vacation plans.

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Holiday Experience in Koi Samui

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:23:03 +0000

The most memorable highlight of my holiday in Thailand was the Full Moon Party at Koh Samui. Truly an unforgettable experience! We were a group of 5 friends, and we were on a fun trip of sightseeing in Thailand. Though there are a number of hotels dotting the shoreline of Ko Samui, we were staying at a beautiful bungalow which had lush green lawns and a beautiful pool. The magnificent view from the bungalow and the cool sea breeze that was blowing got all of us in the right party mood. Of all the attractions of Koh Samui, the Full Moon Party is the most exotic and raved about. Since it is so popular, we had to make our bookings well in advance. It is organized on every monthâs full moon night on the crescent shaped beach of Hat Rin in Koh Phangan. We were told that it has more than 8000 people partying and merrymaking there every month. This was the biggest party I had ever been to!We were there well before dusk. The spectacle of the round yellow moon rising slowly over the sea and the white sand beach was truly awe-inspiring. The ambience was ethereal, with thousands of lamps lit along the beach. As the evening wore on, the revelry took off to the next level. Music, dancing, jugglers, fire-eaters and fireworks display built up the party mood. Right through the night, we danced, ate, drank and generally chilled out. There was just one mantra here – to rejoice and celebrate. It felt like we were in paradise, and none of us wanted the party to end.

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Top Countries in While to Spend a Luxury Holiday

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:20:14 +0000

If you can afford to enjoy some really luxurious holidays, then you should definitely go ahead and do it. There are some great places all over the world that are known for being excellent luxury holiday spots, here is a list of the top ten. Caribbean – Antigua and Barbados: The first place that comes to mind when thinking of luxury beach holidays is the Caribbean, with Antigua and Barbados being top spots. From cruises to private resorts, there are many options for you to choose from on how to holiday here. You can also choose to stay at one of the many private island resorts in the Caribbean. Italy: The Alps provide a great place for skiing fans, and the south is filled with beautiful beaches. Italy is the ideal place for a luxury holiday. . You can shop to your hearts content in Milan which is one of the fashion capitals of the world, or can even experience the history of Rome. France and Monaco: France has many options for luxury holidays. There are the great beaches in the south, the beautiful landscapes, and of course Paris. Many five star hotels are found all over the country, and the cuisine is absolutely delightful. Monaco is the Las Vegas of Europe, and the place where the European elite goes for fun. Greece: Greece is full of beautiful islands, excellent cuisine, and awe inspiring culture. There are hundreds of islands to choose from, and many of them contain smaller and more exclusive resorts. Another luxurious idea is to charter a yacht and sail around the islands in your private floating hotel. Thailand: Thailand has the whole package, from lush forests where you can take elephant treks to the bustle of a busy city like Bangkok with its huge malls and five star movie theatres. For the beach buffs, Phuket and the string of islands provides a pleasurable retreat. Many of the resorts that were destroyed in the Boxing Day Tsunami have been restored and provide five star living and dining experiences. South Africa: If you are interested in seeing true Africa, head down to South Africa. You can go for safaris while staying at five star lodges, and see great white sharks in their natural habitat and even enjoy some gambling in Sun City. UAE – Dubai: Dubai is the crown jewel in the UAE. It is filled with exciting opportunities like dune blasting, or belly dancing to skiing in the middle of the desert at a man made ski resort. You can also enjoy the tax free shopping, take in some amazing man made constructions like the World Islands, or even go to the Burj Al-Arab which is a seven star hotel located by the beach. United States – Las Vegas: Who can forget Las Vegas when making a list of luxury spots around the world? Filled with five star hotels and casinos, Las Vegas is the place to go if you are looking for a luxury holiday in the United States with its amazing experiences.

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Pattaya Paradise – An Amazing Holiday Destination

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:16:10 +0000

Located in the Chonburi province of Thailand is the amazing, Pattaya paradise, that has become a famous destination for tourists from world over. The golden sands, warm weather and the thrilling night life beckon people to enjoy their holidays in midst of exotic settings. The Agogo bars, discos, karaoke bars, night clubs, restaurants and massage parlours attract large proportion of young tourists to this, oldest Thai tourist spot to enjoy the sensual night life, it has to offer. For the families with kids, attractions like Pattaya Water Park, Underwater world, Ripley’s Believe it or not museum and the Elephant Park provide an enjoyable experience. The Pattaya paradise attracts lot of nature lovers by organizing its world famous crocodile show at 70 acre farm. The Elephant village provides inquisitive visitor, the glimpse of the way elephants skills are used to haul logs and the way in which they were used in battlefields. The tourists can also enjoy the jungle trek on the back of the Elephant. People looking for sun, sand and water can spend quality time on the Jomtein, Naklua and North Pattaya beach. The golden sand of the beach and the bright sunshine draw out large number of people to enjoy sunbathing and other beach activities. The Pattaya paradise provides a good glimpse of rich Thai culture inform of temple complex of the Watyansangwaram. This temple is major tourist attraction as it sheds light about the history and religion of this country. The dominating presence of the largest Buddha image of the world, carved out in the mountain is a jewel in crown of Pattaya Paradise. The image of the Buddha that is 130 meters tall and 70 meters wide is carved in to the mountain by laser. The carving is laid in gold. The Sanctuary of Truth is another monument that showcases and celebrates the Eastern Philosophy and the ancient vision of Earth, through decorations and sculpture. This majestic wooden building stands 105 meters high and is spread over 3200 square meters. The other major attraction like the Pattaya Water Park offers the visitors the facility of watching the entire Pattaya city and the coastline in the comfort of revolving restaurant located at the top of 240 meters tower. At the same time they can delight their taste buds with mouthwatering Thai cuisine. The water park provides the thrills of whirlpools, water slides and swimming pools, far away from the hazards of jet-ski and motor boats. The clean water and the tranquil atmosphere attracts tourist to relax and soothe their nerves. The Pattaya paradise has a recreation park known as Suan Nong Noonch, designed in form of traditional Thai village. The orchid nursery, world famous botanical garden, a mini zoo and cultural shows are the main features of the park. The park draws a lot of visitors, who seek to know more about the Thai culture and ecology. For adventure lovers, this place promises to set their pulse, racing. The 50meters bungee jump located in midst of tropical settings near the Jomtein beach provide ten seconds of pure thrilling plunge, that one is sure to remember for long time to come. The Ripley believe it of not museum offer four programs that are sure to scare wits out and reawaken the senses. Truly, the Pattaya Paradise provides the visitors a unique and wonderful experience that they will cherish for long time to come.

I Love Thailand » holiday

How to Holiday in Thailand & Save Money

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