The people that put the 'Amazing' into Thailand are now promoting the kingdom as one of the world's best destinations for golf holidays. Because the Tourism Authority of Thailand is well aware that the country's golf courses are among its biggest drawcards it is sparing no expense in spreading the word. With the 72nd birthday of Thailand's monarch coming up on December 5 and the value of the baht depreciating again, there is no better time to pick up some great deals on golf vacations. Among the more innovative is a special package surrounding the Thailand Open from December 1-4. Tentatively titled the 'Thailand Tourism Golf Challenge', the trip will include VIP hospitality at the Asian PGA Tour event followed by a competitive round on the exclusive Navatanee course. Navatanee was specially designed by American architect Robert Trent Jones Jnr for the 1975 World Cup of Golf, and access to its lush fairways has been pretty much reserved for members only since then. Labelled the 'Augusta of Thailand' for the flowers that abound on the par-72 layout, Navatanee is a great test with several awesome holes. Golfers signing up for the 'Thailand Tourism Golf Challenge', which is being backed by the club and the tourism authority, will be placed in teams of 10 according to nationality or residence and play on the course as it is set up for the Thailand Open. 'This is a great opportunity for amateur golfers to enjoy a competitive round on one of Thailand's best courses as it will have been played by Asia's top professional in the Thailand Open,' Kannadit Plengsri-Ngarm, managing director of Globecorp, the company behind the venture, said. Costs are still being worked out. The trip will also be promoted on several Web sites and it is advisable for anybody planning a golf holiday in Thailand to do a bit of surfing beforehand. The coastal towns of Hua Hin and Cha Am feature some top courses and the jewel in the crown is Royal Hua Hin, which is the oldest championship course in Thailand. It was recently featured on the popular TV series A Round with Alliss (former professional golfer and famed commentator Peter Alliss was partnered by ex-Wallaby David Campese). Prayad Marksaeng, who was the first Thai to qualify for the British Open at Carnoustie this year, is based in Hua Hin and he honed his game at Royal Hua Hin and the nearby Springfield Royal Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country Club and Lake View Princess Resort & Golf Club. All the courses in the Hua Hin area are well-maintained and green fees range from $120 (weekdays) to $300 (weekends and holidays). Professionals accredited by the British PGA are on hand to give visitors those stroke-saving tips which can make that Singha beer at the 19th hole all the more satisfying. Those seeking cooler climes should consider visiting the northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai which has four courses well worth playing. They are Lanna, Royal Chiang Mai, Green Valley and Chiang Mai Lamphun. Cathay Pacific laid on a charter flight to Chiang Mai earlier this month and the package, which covered four nights accommodation, breakfast and two rounds of golf including green and caddie fees, was great value at $4,000.