Record attempt longest kiss for Guinness Book in Pattaya
From February 13 to February 14, 2011, the “Love Kiss Marathon” will be held at the Royal Garden Plaza in Pattaya (Thailand). This Guinness Book record attempt in the context of Valentine's Day is all about the longest kiss ever recorded. The current record stands at 32 hours 7 minutes, 14 seconds and is set in Hamburg during Valentine's Day (2009). The participants will compete for a cash prize of 100.000 THB (€ 2.350) and a ring …
In the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe
The Dutch Marteyne van Well talks about her work as a manager in the tourism industry in Thailand. She works in a 'resort' on a beautiful undiscovered island. After working in many countries, Marteyne van Well moved to Thailand in 2009 to become the manager of Soneva Kiri, a luxury resort on Koh Kood (Ko Kut) in Trat province. Although Marteyne is a hotel manager, she has not gained that experience in the Netherlands. …
Elections and inflation, the recipe for unrest?
The Euro appears to be stabilising. Those who follow the rates (who doesn't?) see that the euro is strengthening against the Baht. Or is the Baht weakening? The latter seems more the case. The strong Baht is unfavorable for the economic growth of an exporting country such as Thailand. On the other hand, a decrease in value is annoying for the average Thai. In the Netherlands, the economy is now picking up again. Unemployment is falling and…
Mobile phone buying tips in Bangkok (video)
Buying a mobile phone in Bangkok is very simple. The choice is overwhelming and the price very favorable.
What's wrong with Phuket?
A few years ago I visited Phuket. That suited me fine at the time. We stayed within walking distance of Patong Beach. The food and entertainment was fine. The beaches were beautiful, especially Kata Noi beach, where we stayed many times. I remember the beautiful sunsets of which I made beautiful atmospheric photos. Still, Phuket has impressed me less than the rest of Thailand. Why? I can't give a clear answer. But …
Sonkran in Pichit
Songkran is the worst thing that can happen here, but luckily I know it's different outside of Pattaya and Bangkok. A few years ago I was in Pichit. The first day there I want to go to the city. My friends offer me a motorbike, but I ask someone to take me with a car. They do so with pleasure, although they do not understand my aversion to water features. Along the way I notice that…
ANVR members suspected of forbidden price agreements!
Some time ago I wrote an article about the ANVR alert list in which a Dutch and a foreign tour operator were pilloried. The ANVR was proud to report in a press release that these companies probably did not comply with Dutch law. To reinforce the whole thing, the Consumer Authority was also asked by the ANVR to conduct an investigation. War path The ANVR was on a war path and mainly small tour operators …
The Thai police, your best friend
Whether the headline of this story can be answered in the affirmative is highly doubtful. In general it can be said that the Thai police can be regarded as corrupt. Remarkably, the former discredited Thai prime minister Thaksin once started his career with the police. Several years ago, ordering my dinner at a then renowned restaurant in Chiang Rai presented a problem. The menu was incomprehensible for a …
Message from a luk kreung moo job
The move to Hua Hin gained momentum. I ran into a beautiful bungalow and had to make the decision quickly. After five years in Bangkok, it was time to change course. Everywhere in my neighborhood road constructions were the order of the day, resulting in endless traffic jams. The hairy mutts of the Thai neighbor flew to my throat in a metaphorical sense. So get out. The new rent for this bungalow is even …
Forecast health risks Thai in 2011: 78.000 deaths
The Thai Bureau of Epidemiology has issued a prognosis of major diseases and health risks for Thais. Twelve diseases and conditions will be responsible for nearly 2011 Thai deaths in 80.000. In a recently published report, the agency identified 12 health risks, including flu, HIV/AIDS, air pollution and chemical accidents, as requiring special attention. These risks will negatively affect the health of 12,5 million people, of whom 78.000 will eventually die. The report must…
Charity bed race January 30 in Pattaya
Under the leadership of the Rotary Club of Pattaya, the 30rd edition of this comic and successful charity bed race will start on Sunday 3 January. The previous two editions of the bed race were a great success with 42 participants last year. Various artists have also promised their cooperation, including the Dutch troubadour 'Gerbrand', who was also present last year, as well as the English Frank Sinatra. Due to my back problems I have handed over the presentation baton but will probably come …
Economic condition of Thailand
I never fully understood the Thai economy. If one person opens a 7/11, three other 7/11s will open next to it. That doesn't work does it? Isn't one enough? Or if the income is bad (because there are few customers) then you simply increase the prices. But then you get even fewer customers, don't you? So is the current economic situation of Thailand. The Thai government that could use a positive story, …
Perhaps you are planning your vacation right now. Will it be an exotic dream destination this time or rather a place closer? Whichever you choose, traveler's diarrhea may be just around the corner. Some holiday destinations are more risky than others in that respect. Traveler's diarrhea affects more than 40 percent of travelers. In most cases, nothing serious is going on and the illness lasts one to five days. Nevertheless, digestive problems…
Hua Hin – Thailand's oldest seaside resort (video)
Hua Hin, Thailand's oldest seaside resort, is especially popular with experienced Thailand visitors. On weekends, many people come from Bangkok, who have a second home in Hua Hin.
Flora Fantasy
On November 20, 2010, the Flora Fantasia in Wang Nam Keaw, a kind of Floriade of a much smaller size, was opened to the public. Many readers will probably rightly say that they have never heard of it and that is not surprising because this hamlet cannot exactly be called a tourist resort and cannot be found just like that, nor easily reached by public transport. Having your own transport is…
Thais divided over new social policy of Abhisit (video)
he year 2010 was one to forget for the Thai government. The division in the country was reflected in protests and disturbances in Bangkok. After the drama in the capital, the government promised to close the gap between rich and poor.
Environmental report Thailand paints a gloomy picture
By: Janjira Pongrai – The Nation The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policies and Planning (ONREPP) yesterday released its 2010 Environmental Report, which presented a pessimistic outlook. ONREPP Secretary General Nisakorn Kositrat said at a press conference that 30 million rai of land had deteriorated, while the area under forests had increased by only 0,1%. Waste as a whole has risen to more than 15 million tons on an annual basis, of which only 5 million …