'Hopeless colonial in Pattaya'

By Lieven Cattail
Posted in Culture, Short stories, Living in Thailand
November 1 2024

In bustling Pattaya, with a glass of wine in hand and a touch of irony, a man of the world tries to impress. But as he sips, he observes a scene that is both hilarious and uncomfortable. What begins as an evening of bravado ends with a painful lesson—literally and figuratively—in culture clashes and self-awareness.

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With a child in her arms and a broken heart, she leaves Isaan in search of a better future in Bangkok. But in the concrete jungle of the city, she discovers that not all dreams come true. While she fights to survive, the distance to her son and the loneliness that slowly surrounds her grow.

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In sultry Thailand, where the sun beats down mercilessly, fair skin seems to be the ultimate symbol of beauty and status. With humor and sharp observations, this column unravels the unfathomable Thai fascination with whiteness and reveals the bizarre side of this unattainable beauty ideal in a country that is anything but white.

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After a four-year absence, British Airways is returning to Bangkok, a popular destination for both leisure and business travellers. With three weekly flights from London and a partnership with Bangkok Airways, the airline offers a wide range of connections to other destinations in Thailand and Cambodia. This strengthens the connections between Europe and South East Asia, ideal for those seeking adventure and convenience.

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Schiphol will increase airport charges by 37 percent over the next three years, making airline tickets more expensive. Airlines, which pass these costs on to passengers, will pay an average of 2027 euros extra per departing passenger from 15. Despite a voluntary contribution of 100 million euros by Schiphol itself, airlines are critical and are considering an appeal to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets.

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Peter from Nongkhai is appealing to fellow Dutch people for financial support. He urgently needs 20.000 baht to pay a down payment to a loan shark. On November 22, he can repay this amount, including 2.000 baht interest. His appeal is intended for those who can help him temporarily in this difficult situation.

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Reform monasticism or else new scandals will keep coming

By Tino Kuis
Posted in Opinions
October 30, 2024

Thai monk V Vajiramedhi, once praised for his modern Buddhist approach, has come under fire for his support of controversial company iCon Group. What began as an attempt to make spirituality more accessible has led to a public scandal, with him accused of greed and distancing himself from Buddha's teachings.

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In the nighttime streets of Bangkok, a Dutch tourist gets caught up in a seductive encounter. While his wife stays behind in the hotel, the city draws him into its shadows. A simple massage turns into an inner battle between desire and fidelity, where his conscience and lust collide. In the end, the flesh wins and he is left with a guilty truth.

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In Thailand, ghosts are not fairy tale characters; they are housemates with instructions. From flying heads with dangling entrails to thirsty ghosts slurping red Fanta, every Thai keeps the invisible as a friend and provides a nice place to stay, including drinks and entertainment. Buddha may be a wise counselor, but it is the ghosts who call the shots, with their eternal thirst for sacrifices and rituals in a mysterious, dizzying world full of fear and enchantment.

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Snowballs in Thailand, a business model

By Eric van Dusseldorp
Posted in Living in Thailand
October 30, 2024

At the Frost Magical Ice of Siam park, near Pattaya, the simple snowball maker suddenly becomes an expensive, sought-after purchase. For Thai children, the park offers a unique experience of snow and ice, and parents are happy to spend a little extra to give their children the day of their lives. So cold nostalgia in Thailand turns out to be surprisingly lucrative.

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Thai beaches

By Submitted Message
Posted in Reader Submission
October 30, 2024

After exploring hundreds of beaches, I’m sharing my best finds on TreasureBeaches.com. Here, you won’t find crowded tourist spots, but quiet, hidden paradises where you can truly enjoy Thailand. Whether you search by island, region or theme, these hand-picked beaches offer a unique travel experience away from the crowds.

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A critical look at my own eating habits leads to a light-hearted, perhaps slightly confusing contemplation of tastes and preferences. Between brothers with fixed rituals and a Thai kitchen full of surprises, I slowly come to the conclusion: am I really an easy eater, or not?

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In the twilight of Isaan, Khun Somchai and his neighbor Suriya sit together by their hut, staring at the disappearing sun. Their conversations, full of melancholy and restrained humor, are about failed harvests, lost hopes, and a youth in a hurry. As life goes on and the countryside falls silent, they realize that the old times are slowly fading away.

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He thought he had found the one in a Thai woman who called him 'darling' and gave him the feeling of finally being truly in love. But now he is penniless and bitter, with empty accounts and a broken illusion. According to him, all Thai women are money-grubbers, but who actually bought the dream here? And who pays the price?

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Although Thailand does not levy a direct tax on income from Dutch real estate, it is allowed to “eat along” by scaling up the tax rate via progression reservations. This can increase your tax burden. New Thai rules will come into effect from 2024, so if you are bringing in large amounts, consider consulting a Thai tax expert for optimal tax planning.

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After years of making music in the Netherlands, Miel thought he had seen it all. But during a walk in a Thai village, he hears familiar sounds that take him back to his time with the drum band. What follows is a spontaneous performance and a special musical exchange that he will not soon forget.

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Enjoy ultimate luxury in this spacious, fully renovated 259 sqm apartment in Thana City – Prestige Condominium. With three large bedrooms, a modern open kitchen, two balconies and beautiful views of the pool and golf course, this is the ideal place for those seeking peace and comfort. Only 15 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Mega Bangna.

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Dear Dutch citizen in Thailand, the Dutch embassy is organizing the following two activities in Chiang Mai from November 18 to 20.

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Emirates now flies twice daily with the comfortable Airbus A380 between Schiphol and Dubai, replacing the Boeing 777 on EK149/EK150. Customers will enjoy wider seats in Economy, aisle access in Business, and luxury showers in First Class. An upgrade that makes the journey to Dubai and beyond even more attractive!

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Starting in November, travellers at six major Thai airports will be able to use biometric facial recognition for a smoother check-in experience. Passengers will only need to give their consent once, speeding up future check-ins. With additional automation in baggage and ticketing, Thailand is taking a step towards more modern and efficient airport technology.

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On November 2nd, the Tourism Authority of Thailand will launch the exclusive “Monopoly: Bangkok Edition”. This unique board game replaces the classic Monopoly streets with sights and cultural hotspots of Bangkok. Play with figures such as the tuk-tuk and Muay Thai gloves and discover the city in a whole new way, ideal for both locals and tourists!

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Winter has officially arrived in Thailand today, and the first fresh winds are bringing a hint of coolness. Temperatures will remain stable, but the coming week will see stronger cold, especially in the north and northeast. Rainfall will continue, especially along the Gulf of Thailand, giving the winter charm a wet start.

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