A new form of massage
Thailand has been known for years for its healing massage. The famous temple Wat Pho in Bangkok is the massage training institute to master the art of massage. The Thai masseuses are only too happy to boast that they have received their training there and the walls of the massage parlors are often hung with diplomas from the ladies working there, and sometimes also from gentlemen. Massage can be roughly divided into three parts…
12.000 road deaths in Thailand every year
In Thailand, 12.000 people die in traffic every year. In 60 percent of the cases, it concerns moped/motorcycle riders or their passengers, while the majority of the victims are between 16 and 19 years old. This is evident from the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) on road safety in the world. Thailand scores a poor 106th place in that context, out of a total of 176 countries surveyed. China (89) and…
Calendar Full Moon Party 2011
The most famous beach party in the world, the Full Moon Party in Thailand, who wouldn't want to experience that? Dancing all night from sunset to sunrise on Haad Rin beach under full moon. Going completely crazy with 15.000 young people from all countries and corners of the world at the Full Moon Party. Are you a party animal but have never been to Koh Pha Ngan? Pack your backpack and fly to Thailand. Go a…
Thousandth posting on Thailandblog
Thanks to Hans' previous posting, I have the honor of putting exactly the 1.000th posting on Thailandblog. Yet another moment to pause. At the end of the year you usually look back on the past year and you realize how quickly everything passes you by. In addition to looking back, I also look forward. If all goes well, I will leave for Thailand again in early May for a few weeks. …
Christmas in Thailand: the atmosphere is yet to come
The tree stands; the lights are on and the balls sparkle in the midday sun. Christmas in Thailand: I just can't get used to it. Never a white Christmas, or you have to spray large amounts of artificial snow. I shouldn't do too much about it either, because especially those fondant-like border decorations often provide a large dose of youth sentiment. Bach's Christmas cantata, or Stille Nacht, immediately puts me in the Catholic church on the Beeklaan in Den …
The largest restaurant in the world in Bangkok (video)
A restaurant with 5.000 seats, 80 chefs, 35.000 m² of floor space and 1.000 employees? It really exists!
Bizarre: thieves' market in Bangkok (video)
The 'thieves market' is a household name in Bangkok, more and more tourists come here to view and buy stolen merchandise. As a result, prices are driven up considerably and the locals stay away.
Belgian creates his own dream island in Thailand
He had had enough of stress and wanted to retire. But Paul Vorsselmans, a man in his forties from the Kempen, had only just arrived in Thailand when the entrepreneur in him revived. The ecological resort that he has set up on a paradise island is now even praised by the renowned travel guide 'Lonely Planet'. Pieter Huyberechts: “I really had enough of all that materialism and that eternal achievement in our Western society. You…
This is Thailand
There are quite a few expats and tourists in Pattaya who are constantly complaining and whining. It's about how things are done here and about Thai in general. They complain not only to other farang but also to Thai people. When a tourist in Australia complains about my country, Australians say, “If you don't like it here, you know what to do. Go back to where you came from…
Spa, 'made in Thailand'
Slightly affected by the jet lag, with deep in the heart the desire to start the holiday fresh? Then Thailand is the right place for you. Ten years ago, every self-respecting hotel in this country had a 'gym' or fitness room. In a short period of time Spa & Wellness centers have replaced this and Thailand has become a world class spa destination. 'Wellness is Thai-ness' and 'The Best of the …
Sanuk, having fun the Thai way
Tourists who visit Thailand are usually very positive about the Thai people. They are polite, nice and cheerful, you often hear. In part, this can be traced back to culture. Thai consider it important to maintain social harmony and therefore they avoid conflicts. Thais consider getting angry or yelling a loss of face. That means that they must also always show self-control. For all those pent up emotions…
Free Thailand visa
It will be known to many that for Thailand, provided you do not stay in the country for more than 30 days, you can obtain a so-called 'visa upon arrival' free of charge upon arrival at Thailand's international airports. When entering by land, this is only 15 days. To stimulate tourism, you can currently obtain a free tourist visa until March 31, 2011 through the Thai Embassy in The Hague or the Thai Consulate in Amsterdam.
The Best of Thailand: 11-Day Group Tour with OAD from 999 pp
Tomorrow in the AD, already at Thailandblog. Discover the best of Thailand during this discounted 11-day trip! In Chiang Mai – The Rose of the North – enjoy a wonderful landscape, meet the Karen hill tribe, visit the famous Wat Doi Suthep temple and experience the bustling city of Bangkok. Of course you will also visit the impressive WWII museum River Kwai and the historic ruins of the UNESCO world heritage sites Ayutthaya and Sukothai. …
Royal Park Rajapruek 2010 Chiang Mai Tambon Mae-Hia
As is customary every year, there is a flower and plant exhibition in the park during and before and after the King's birthday. No, the title is not a clerical error but has simply been changed in view of the new long-term opening at the end of 2011, more specifically on November 9 for 99 days until February 15, 2012. And then it will be back “The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011” with the emphasis on the 84th anniversary of the …
Children's song fatal for illegal Thai worker
An illegal Thai worker has been able to deceive police in Taiwan for 17 years by posing as a Taiwanese and speaking fluent Chinese. However, he was exposed and arrested for failing to sing a popular children's song. Hualien police in eastern Taiwan detained 38-year-old Deebudcha Yothin to question him over an attempted robbery. He had a forged identity card in his pocket from which…
Learn English the Thai way
For many Thais, the English language is of vital importance. Mastering the English language increases the opportunities to earn money. The tourism industry could use someone who speaks good English. You can then quickly start working as a doorman, waiter, maid, receptionist or possibly as a bargirl. For a country that receives around 14 million tourists every year, you would expect the government to do everything it can to educate its citizens in …
Michel Maas: Telegraaf and whistleblower not credible
Michel Maas, correspondent for Volkskrant and NOS, prefers not to respond via blogs. However, the remarks made by whistleblower Dirk-Jan van Beek on this blog about the abuses he has observed at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok, go down the wrong way with Maas. Maas says he bases his reporting on the letter from the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Maas: “In other words, on facts, and not on gossip and suspicions. Van Beek should not say …