'This is not a market, it's a community'
Methyl bromide, formalin, growth hormones, preservatives, insecticide, ammonia, pink mud and what else is in our food that we don't know about? You can buy unsprayed food at the Farmers' Markets, which are becoming increasingly popular.
Pop star Rihanna 'traumatized' by sex show in Thailand
Rihanna, not exactly the most prudish lady on this planet, still got red ears during a visit to a sex show in Thailand.
Reader question: I am looking for a recognized and good translation agency in Thailand
I'm going to Thailand soon and have to go to the Belgian embassy for stamping documents. These must then be translated into Thai by a recognized translation agency.
News from Thailand – September 21, 2013
Today in News from Thailand:
• Champion China dethroned; women's volleyball in final against Japan
• Comment: Thailand is heading for nightmare
• EU demands investment guarantees from Thailand in FTA talks
Government ignores protest against Mae Wong dam
The dam in Mae Wong National Park will be built despite the attack on 13.260 rai of pristine forest area, says Minister Plodprasop Sursaswadi. Today, environmental activists arrive in Bangkok after a 338-kilometre hike. They oppose the construction because it is at the expense of the environment and ecology.
To the temple across the rice fields (video)
In this video you can see different growth stages of the rice fields in the vicinity of the house of the videographer who lives in Isaan. He films the route from his home to the local temple from the air.
Flight offer from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Bangkok Airways has a promotional rate for travelers who want to fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia. This can now be booked until September 30 and applies to flights up to and including March 31, 2014.
Wat Arun under scaffolding for years of renovation
If you want to visit the famous Wat Arun, the temple of the Dawn, in Bangkok soon, you should be quick. After this weekend, the stupa of the Wat will be off limits to all tourists.
Reader question: Where can you go out in Bangkok?
Where can you go out in Bangkok as a foreigner? What we're not looking for from those bars with prostitutes and stuff. What we're looking for is clubs with DJs, discotheques and the occasional live band.
Statement of the week: Tourists should avoid attractions with animals
Tourists should avoid attractions with animals. If you agree, climb into the pen and tell why you think so. Or do you say: we as tourists have nothing to do with that. As long as Thais offer those attractions, we will use them. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of the country. Respond to the statement of the week!
News from Thailand – September 20, 2013
Today in News from Thailand:
• Volleyball team competes against China in semi-final
• Screaming need for organ donors
• Dossier: Thailand is aging, birth rate 1,5
The conversations are difficult, can it be more meaningless?
The talks are difficult, but we've made some progress. With this meaningless statement from Joao Aguiar Machado, EU Head of Delegation to the second round of negotiations of the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Chiang Mai, we have to do it today.
Reader question: Calling from the Netherlands to Thailand
Who can help me with a cheaper calling method to a mobile phone in Thailand?
Bachelor tax against aging society
Thailand is aging rapidly. If no action is taken, the country is heading for labor shortages, a stagnant economy and higher health care spending, economist Terdsak Chomtohsuwan warns.
Reader question: Why do Thai swim with their clothes on?
I have the following reader question: Those who visit indigenous beaches notice how Thais apparently like to swim with their clothes on.
Sitting is allowed again (or not)
It sounds like swearing in church, but the Ministry of Education is considering introducing repeat grades in Thai education. To improve the quality of education in Thailand, says Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng (Education).
Diary of Roger Stassen: the hammock philosopher
Roger Stassen tries to de-Americanize his sister-in-law and he and his wife Siriwan visit the hospital where she worked 20 years earlier. The reception was heartwarming and we can learn something from that, he writes in his first diary on Thailandblog.