Prejudices fuel uproar over Myanmar border births

By Tino Kuis
Posted in Background
January 15 2025

In late 2024, there was an outcry over claims that pregnant Myanmar women were flooding Thai hospitals in search of free deliveries and citizenship rights for their children. Although experts have debunked the claims, the situation has fueled deep prejudice and ultra-nationalist sentiment. The incident highlights the dangers of fake news and how an “us versus them” mentality continues to fuel ethnic discrimination.

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They speak a little Thai, have a Thai partner, have lived there for years or have lived there and voilà: the self-proclaimed Thailand expert is born. On blogs they wave their 'facts' as if they came from a Buddhist encyclopedia. But how seriously should we take these digital oracles? Read along and discover the absurdity of their claims.

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'The Mystique of Thai Women'

By Farang Kee Nok
Posted in Culture, Short stories
January 15 2025

Thai women are not just women, but an enigma wrapped in subtlety and charm. They have a unique talent to embrace contradictions and always be ten steps ahead of you. Understanding them is rare, but that is not the point. Discover how the mystery of their nuances and smiles does not need to be solved, but celebrated.

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The Metaphysical Traffic in Phnom Penh

By Alphonse Wijnants
Posted in Culture, Short stories
January 15 2025

Anyone who has passed his exam 'traffic circulation in Bangkok' must go to Cambodia, specifically Phnom Penh, for his final test. Definitely. Because Bangkok is not the end by a long shot, as well-meaning falang think when they tour Bangkok. In the capital of Thailand it is all about the physical. In Phnom Penh it is all about the metaphysical.

Thailand is set to record 2024 trillion baht in investment in 1,13, the highest in a decade. With thousands of approved projects in sectors such as digital technology, electric vehicles and biotechnology, Thailand is cementing its position as an economic hub in Southeast Asia. This growth is creating tens of thousands of jobs and strengthening global supply chains.

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Holidays remain a priority, even on a tighter budget. A third of Dutch people expect to spend less on travel, but saving on holidays is not an option for many. Young people and men in particular are strikingly often choosing creative and unconventional ways to continue travelling, even if it is at the expense of other things such as their health.

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The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has announced changes to the Cabinet-approved Long Term Resident Visa (LTR) program to attract more foreign experts, investors and executives. With these changes, Thailand aims to broaden its talent pool and enhance its competitive position. The revamped program is designed to be more accessible and inclusive, making it easier for professionals in various sectors to establish themselves.

Thailand is tightening controls on fruit exports after a durian ban in China due to banned chemicals. With stricter inspections, new protocols and the “4-No” policy, the country aims to ensure the quality of its fruit. Minister Narumon will soon travel to China to restore confidence and boost trade opportunities.

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I have a visa Immigrant Non O for many years. Now I have a new passport with the transfer of my visa, since my new passport has been given a different year extension for me, my question is what is needed if I am back in Thailand too late?

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In 2024, I have been in Thailand for less than 180 days and therefore assume that I am only liable for tax on Thai sourced income. Since I have not worked in Thailand, this only concerns the interest on my Thai bank account. I have been informed that a tax return is only required if this amount exceeds 60.000 baht. Is this information correct, and do I not have to file a tax return or apply for a TIN if the amount is lower?

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My wife (Dutch-Thai) age 81 has the following conditions: COPD, diabetes, osteoporosis, gout, reduced kidney function, heart failure (leaky heart valves) and Alzheimer's. She is bedridden, uses oxygen regularly (3 liters) and sleeps a lot (during the day, less at night). According to the cardiologist, a heart valve needs to be replaced.

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Thailand Visa Question No. 004/25: EVA Air – Release form

By Submitted Message
Posted in Visa question
January 15 2025

I want to book a ticket with EVA Air in the period from March 30 to August 30. Can I arrange this with a release form so that EVA Air has the certainty that I will leave Thailand after 150 days and that this responsibility lies with me.

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Although the Thai does not really differ much from the average Belgian or Dutch person, you sometimes experience something in Thailand that you will not easily experience in Belgium or the Netherlands. That's what this series of stories is about. Today another nice story by Lieven Kattestaart: 'Destination Bangkok'.

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Thai chicken with cashew nuts (video)

By Editorial
Posted in Food and drink
January 15 2025

There are plenty of tourists who would like to get acquainted with Thai cuisine but are afraid that it is too spicy. Well, there are plenty of alternatives such as Sweet & Sour, but also the always delicious chicken with cashew nuts or Gai Pad Med Mamuang Himaphan.

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AOW applications, which method works best?

By Submitted Message
Posted in Reader question
January 15 2025

In August 2025 it will finally happen: the AOW will then apply to me, DV and according to SVB.nl I have to apply for this 6 months in advance. Now there are six options listed, two of which do not apply to me, namely "by post" (takes a long time) and "pay a visit to".

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Chaiyaphum, also Isan

By Gringo
Posted in Isaan, thai tips
January 15 2025

If you don't know Thailand well yet and look at the (road) map, you tend to think that the Isaan is bordered in the west by the Motorway no. 2 from Korat to the border of Laos. That is not correct, because the province of Chaiyaphum also belongs to the northeastern region, which is called the Isan.

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I am looking for a good tax advisor in Hua Hin or the surrounding area who can help me with the tax return (PIT) for the year 2024 if you have been in Thailand for more than 180 days and are therefore a Thai tax resident.

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Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Siam. It is located 80 km north of the current capital of Thailand. In this video you see images of Ayutthaya and the Wat Yai Chaimongkol.

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Does anyone know a worthy and reliable alternative to Skype? For some time now it is no longer possible to top up your calling credit on Skype.

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On his way to his daily shopping experience in the cooled luxury of the Udon Thani shopping mall, the generous author often passes an unfortunate beggar sitting in his wheelchair with a expired MOT trying to make ends meet with some free money. He remembered a recently published and very educational article in TB about the new path the government has taken to hide this form of decay of Thai society from view. To brush it away or at least make it invisible. He then curiously and sincerely asked the stranded Senna in life for his opinion about this (apparent) solution. Here is his emotional account.

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In Thailand, clever criminals abuse politeness and trust. Call centers full of scammers manipulate victims with terrifying ease, while the government keeps promising to solve the problem. The result? Silent victims, wealthy fraudsters and a shadow over the country. A tragicomic tale of trust, shame and the wry smile of crime.

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'Bangkok traffic is dancing with chaos'

By Farang Kee Nok
Posted in Culture, Short stories
January 13 2025

Bangkok is a city of endless movement, where traffic lights seem suggestive and rain creates a choreography of daily life. In the midst of chaos, people discover a rhythm that carries them forward. This story takes you into the heartbeat of the city and reveals an unexpected lesson about control and letting go.

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