Bangkok's BTS Skytrain is asking passengers to tame their long hair during rush hour. In a crowded car, a loose ponytail quickly becomes an unintended weapon. This column dissects the absurdity of this hairy etiquette and the suffocating closeness, where personal space proves to be a long-gone illusion as we collectively crawl home.
Do you live in Thailand and receive AOW (state pension)? The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) may sometimes ask you for proof of life. You only need to submit this proof if you receive a letter. Increasingly, you can do this digitally, right from your bank, using an app and a QR code. This article explains exactly what it is, what you need, and what to do if you can't get it.
Today's news highlights a series of political, economic, and social developments in Thailand. Businesses along the Cambodian border are appealing for help as trade grinds to a halt due to closed checkpoints. The opposition is seeking a legal investigation into the appointment of Capt. Thamanat as deputy prime minister, while investors and banks are reacting to a central bank interest rate cut. Simultaneously, smart traffic lights are being expanded in Bangkok, and oil pollution is being combated along the coast of Phuket.
Jan shares his successful and quick experience obtaining a Thai driver's license. He didn't need to take a theory test after completing the required online videos and tests.
Want to experience a lot without your bank account constantly breaking the bank? In Southeast Asia, you often get more for your money than you expect, especially if you eat locally and travel smart. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand stand out for their affordable meals, affordable accommodations, and short distances. These are three destinations where you'll feel luxurious, even if your budget isn't.
Parkinson's appears to be more than just a brain disease. A growing body of research suggests that your gut and immune system are involved early on. A major review from January 2026 shows how changes in the gut microbiome can drive inflammation, potentially even through autoimmune reactions. This opens the door to new, more targeted treatments.
Phuket and Pattaya dominate this overview, with incidents involving tourists, traffic accidents, and strict enforcement. In Pattaya, an armed robbery involving a British expat was reported, and bars and gambling venues were checked. Phuket experienced a fatal violent incident in Patong, a serious motorcycle accident, and an oil spill near Koh Hei. Bangkok focuses on heat, slippery roads due to garbage spills, and safer sidewalks.
Notable among these are a serious security incident at the border in Surin, a dangerous chase involving human trafficking in Kanchanaburi, and several cases directly involving tourists or foreigners.
Are you still logging in with DigiD and SMS verification? Then the DigiD app is a smart move, especially if you do a lot of business from Thailand. You confirm your login with a PIN of your choice or, on many phones, with facial recognition or fingerprint recognition. It saves you the hassle of codes and is often more secure. You can activate your account in several ways, even if you live outside the Netherlands.
On your way to Surin, you recall the cremation of two young victims of a workplace accident. As traffic roars by, you see workers in dangerous conditions, and one thought comes to mind: here, risk is a part of life; for us, it becomes a matter of rules and investigations. Amidst the grief, dark humor, and everyday hustle and bustle, the realization grows that everything goes on, even when you miss someone.
Comparing quotes for a move to Thailand seems simple, until you see how different the contents can be. Price only matters if you know what's included and what's not, quality determines whether everything runs according to international standards, and service makes all the difference when it comes to paperwork, planning, and customs. These three points will help you avoid surprises.
The pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) is a hornbill native to India and Southeast Asia.
'Marlboro red. Green bottle. orange juice. black sky. White pillow. She remembers almost everything.' Noi receives English lessons from Frans Amsterdam.
What advice do Thai women get if they want to deal with a farang man? How can they avoid disappointment? The 'practical guide to distinguishing frogs from princes' gives useful tips. The book recently fell from Tino's bookcase.
Albert inquires about the 30-day extension in Pattaya and the possibility of a 60- or 90-day visa. He has received conflicting answers and is requesting clarification regarding the visa regulations and his planned trip in September and November 2026.
La Tiang (ล่าเตียง) is an age-old and famous royal snack. It is known from the Kap He Chom Khrueang Khao Wan poem written during the reign of King Rama I by the Crown Prince who later became King Rama II. The snack consists of a filling of chopped shrimp, pork, and peanuts wrapped together in a square shape of a thin, mesh-like omelet wrapper.
The Thai Wai, a traditional greeting filled with respect and humility, is often a source of comical misunderstandings for unsuspecting tourists in Thailand. From Wai'ing to store employees to inadvertently greeting street dogs, these tourists show us how a cultural gesture can lead to hilarious scenes.
Bart asks about IPTV experiences, both with a box and the app. He's curious about how well IPTV works and is waiting for responses.
Thailand is known for its fascinating culture and beautiful crafts, which translates into a wealth of unique souvenirs. Whether you're looking for something traditional or modern, there's something for everyone. Here are the ten best souvenirs you can take home from Thailand.
Peter is looking for a chopper between 15.000 and 25.000 baht. He prefers to use a local shop for repairs, rather than buying online.
Pattaya will see a significant increase in hotel rooms in the coming years. Industry estimates show supply growing at an average annual rate of 2,2 percent, adding approximately 5.700 rooms by the end of 2027 and 2028. Luxury brands, in particular, are emerging in the pipeline, with a mega-project on Beach Road as a highlight. This will give travelers more choice, but also intensify competition for hotels.
AirAsia is bringing back its BIG SALE to Thailand, with base fares starting from 0 THB and discounts of up to 80 percent. Bookings are open until March 1, 2026, for travel from June 1, 2026, to the end of March 2027. Sounds like free flights, but you'll still pay taxes and fees. With the right expectations, you can actually get a surprisingly low price.
