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Of ghoulies and ghosties …..

The spirit world will again be shaking up souls in Loei province and the dead will walk the earth - and having a fun time while they're about it  as the Phi Ta Khon Festival returns to Dan Sai district on June 26 to 28.

Villagers create and paint demon masks from coconut shells and bam¬boo baskets for this unique annual event, then on the Saturday morning, they don horrific masks along with shocking outfits and roam the streets. The hotels are fully booked months in advance, so bring your own sleeping bag and sleep under the stars at the local temple. Visit www.TAT.or.th/LoeiCenter.

Sensational on Samui

Love jazz, will travel! Samui Island hosts "Popsnova", a small jazz con¬cert, at Samui Park Avenue next Friday, with Brazilian musician Marcela Mangabeira joining local artists like Koh Mr Saxman for a night of cool music. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Bangkok Airways are offers a package for music fans.  Return air tickets, transfers and accommodation with breakfast cost Bt8,300 per person. Call 1771 extension 3.

Running up a sweat

This year's Pattaya Marathon is being held on the morning of July 19. The course goes along the beach and punters can choose whether to opt for the full marathon (42 kilometres), half Marathon (21 kilometres) or quarter Marathon (10 kilometres).

The winners will go home with monetary prizes plus a bonus prize if they break the record. Registration costs $30 (Bt1,020) for the earlybird special.

Applications are available from the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Head Office and Pattaya City Hall. Or download an application form from www.PattayaMrathon.com and fax it to the organiser.

For more, call TAT Chon Buri Office at (038) 427 667.

Arabian nights

Villa Maroc offers you a authentic Moroccan retreat without leaving Thailand. Located in Pran Buri, south of Hua Hin, the resort features 15 lux¬ury rooms and villas, all crafted in a dramatic Moroccan style. The Casablanca restaurant serves culinary delights with an emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To complete the exotic Arabian experience, the Shisha Bar - though not Rick's Cafe serves cocktails and tapas from the Maghreb in a traditionally plush ambience amid a rich North African.

Visit www.VillaMaocResort.com.