Get Sporty in Bangkok   Golf Golf's popularity in Thailand rose dramatically after the country hosted its first international tournament-the 1975 World championship.   The number of courses rose sharply in the past decade, in step with the country's economic boom.   The world's top designers have come and left their marks, so have many world-class players.   Now there are many courses within easy reach of Bangkok. The best time to come is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October, it is very hot and wet. But even in the rainy months, the heavy down pours usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. And since most courses have good drainage systems, the rains should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through your club or your hotel. Do book in advance for the weekends, for attendance goes up sharply at most courses, and for the peak travel season, from December to February. The state of the economy not withstanding, green fees continue to be very reasonable. So are the fees for the well-trained, helpful caddies.   Service on the green and at the clubhouse, as befitting the Land of Smiles, is prompt and courteous. The Bangkok area is the major rice bowl of the country, and many golf courses here are carved out of rice paddies. The terrain is flat, but most golf courses compensate for this by crafting beautiful layouts with lots of water hazards. The older courses have shadier fairways, with mature vegetation, making it pleasant to play even in the most torrid months. Bangkok - One-Week Golf Trip Itinerary If you are a serious golfer, then why not take a trip to Thailand with golf in mind.   If you had a week, you could put together a schedule such as the one below.   The Guest Relations Officers at any of our Bangkok Hotels can contact the golf courses of your choice to arrange the tee-off times, plus arrange your transportation requirements. For more information on the golf courses in Thailand, visit http://www.thaigolfer.com/ or http://www.golfinthekingdom.com/. Day One: Head north of Bangkok to Ekachai Golf & Country Club, whose course is considered one of the most difficult in the country.   Evening at leisure, with shopping in one of the city's many open-air markets. Day Two: A day of golf at Krungthep Kreetha, a popular, busy and, thanks to recent upgrading, one of the best in the area. Evening meal in a Thai restaurant with traditional dance show. Day Three: A leisurely day, with visit to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, held sacred by the local populace and a must on visitors' itineraries. Afternoon shopping and night out at one of Bangkok's numerous pubs. Day Four: Today's round is at the Royal Thai Air Force Golf Club, an unusual gem set between two main runways at Bangkok International Airport. Evening cruise along the majestic Chao Phraya River. Day Five: Tee off early at Navatanee in the eastern suburbs, one of Thailand's best-maintained and most challenging courses. Evening at leisure followed by a late Thai-style supper. Day Six: A day for sightseeing around the city, or a day trip to the Floating Market. End the day with a seafood dinner at one of the city's many restaurants. Day Seven: Early start for a 90-minute trip to the west of Bangkok for a day of golf at the Rose Garden, reckoned by many as the best and prettiest in the country. Enjoy a Thai evening meal at its clubhouse before returning to the city. Thai Boxing Lumpini Stadium This stadium is East of Lumpini Park on the Rama IV Road.   Bouts at Lumpini are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.00 pm, and twice on Saturdays at 5.00 pm and 8.30 pm. It's easy to tell when a fight is in progress by the hundreds of motorcycles parked outside on the road.   Ticket prices vary according to the seating.   Outer circle seats are around 250 Baht while a ringside seat can cost from 500 to 1,000 Baht depending on the seat. The Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue near the TAT office.   Fights are held on Mondays at 5.00 and 9.00 pm, Wednesdays at 6.00 pm, Thursdays at 6.00 pm, and Sundays at 5.00 pm. The practice bouts held at 2.00 pm on Sundays are pretty much for the tourists.  Don't get ripped off by touts selling tickets on the street.   Only buy tickets from the authorized sellers in the ticket windows at the stadium.   Again tickets vary in price depending on the seating but are a similar cost to at Lumpini.   A boxing match includes eight fights with a maximum of five rounds each.