Maarten Vasbinder has been living in Isaan for 1½ years now, where he met a wonderful woman with whom he shares joys and sorrows. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers and writes about medical facts.
Hilton Hua Hin is being renovated for billions of baht
The Hilton hotel on the beach of Hua Hin is getting a major makeover. The rooms will be renovated for about 500 million baht. The renovation of 296 hotel rooms must be completed in 2018.
Lots of rain and flooding in Bangkok
It is rainy season in Thailand and it shows. Bangkok has experienced heavy rainfall in recent days, causing fourteen major roads to be flooded. The Highways Department works 24 hours a day to pump out the water.
My Thai wife is going to the Netherlands in two weeks. She has her MVV stamp in her passport and can therefore enter the Netherlands without any problems. My question is, which counter/gate should she report upon arrival? at the Immigration Department? Is this a lengthy process?
Top 50 paradise beaches in Thailand
Thailand is an excellent destination for sun worshipers and beach lovers. More than 3.200 kilometers of tropical coastline guarantee this. The new e-brochure of the Thai tourist office lists the top 50 most beautiful beaches and islands of the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand.
Could someone tell me what cataract surgery costs in Thailand. I assume that people can do that just as well here as in the Netherlands?
This summer we bought a 2nd ticket for a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. We arrive at BKK in the morning and leave for CMX in the early afternoon. Tickets are purchased through various channels.
Thai government wants less school dropout
Despite a drop in the number of early school leavers, the Ministry of Education still wants to tackle school dropout. State Secretary Surachet announced on Friday that the ministry will take measures.
Reader Submission: Pattaya has become a smelly city
After a break of four years I visited Jomtien and Pattaya again and I was shocked, every meter I walked along the beach saw and found pollution. Lots of plastic styrofoam trays, bottles and what not more junk. I had never experienced it this bad.
“Shrek The Musical” is coming to Bangkok
There is good news for those in Thailand who love musicals. After successful shows on Broadway, Loden West End, in Dutch and Belgian theatres, Shrek the musical is coming to Bangkok. as part of a world tour. From 1 to 5 July, eight performances will be given at the Muangthai Rachadalai Theater (on the 4th floor of The Esplanade, Ratchadphisek Road).
To the Netherlands: Can my wife be exempted from MVV requirements because of her health?
How and where can my spouse in Thailand apply for an exemption from the MVV requirement on medical grounds? She is physically unable to take the compulsory exams. She can demonstrate this with a medical file.
It is with great surprise that I sometimes read the bitter reactions to this blog about Thai women when it comes to money. Are some Dutch people really so stingy that it always has to be about money? And what's wrong with sharing your (relative) wealth with your partner and her family?
Reader question: Emigrate to Thailand and self-care system in connection with thrombosis
I am going to emigrate from the Netherlands to Thailand in January 2017. I am a thrombosis patient and use a blood thinner. I use a self-care system, in which I test my own blood at home to check and adjust the correct dosage of the blood thinner.
Cat and mouse game Wat Phra Dhammakaya
It has dominated the Thai news for months: the controversy between the Thai judiciary and the abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. This week, the police would enter the temple with a great show of force, because an arrest warrant has been issued against the abbot.
Wereldschool: solution for your children?
If you have decided to embark on a foreign adventure with the whole family, including (young) children, it is important to find out what educational opportunities are available in your destination country. You can usually find an international school, but if you return to the Netherlands in the long term, it may be desirable to be able to follow Dutch education.
Multi-purpose ice cream
Whether or not ice cubes in your drink in Thailand, because what about hygiene? Lodewijk wrote a story about it.
Reader question: Can I have “Facings” placed in Bangkok?
I was curious if there is also a possibility in Bangkok to place “Facings” at a clinic for dental care. These are plates that are placed over the existing teeth and not unimportant, is that expensive?