Corrupt is not equally corrupt everywhere
Whether corruption is right or wrong is not up for debate. But what exactly is corruption? Do Thais and Westerners differ in their understanding of what corruption is? Of course! And that is why it is good to describe these differences.
The diploma as part of a costume party
A remarkable display: about five hundred laureates and a few dozen hotemets. The laureates in a toga with fancy headgear, the authoritatives also in a gown, but amply upholstered with chains, garlands and medals.
Samitivej hospital is going to vaccinate against dengue virus
The Samitivej hospital in Bangkok is the first hospital in Thailand to vaccinate against four strains of the dengue virus. In the past five years, the drug has been tested on 30.000 people.
Fairy tales are for small children
Every day, the editors of two Thai magazines receive hundreds of letters written by happy, unhappy, desperate, misguided and grieving young people. They are touching stories of how things can go right and wrong.
Reader question: Risk of HIV infection at hairdressers in Thailand?
During my inoculation / vaccinations in the Netherlands at the GGD I also received some tips, one of them has stayed with me. Avoid the barber/hairdresser due to HIV infection due to the (re)use of razor(s).
Reader question: I'm looking for a tricycle moped, the Honda Gyro
Some time ago I asked for information about a three-wheel moped, because a friend from the Netherlands was coming over. I received several responses to this that were very valuable. Now my friend is here and he has tried a regular moped. With a negative result. He fell twice, the second of which was not without consequences. He was unconscious for a moment and will lose his memory in ten minutes.
The pinnacle of mobile abuse
How much I loathe the cell phone is hard to describe. Not the device itself of course, but the unbridled use of it is something that can annoy me every day. Well, I admit that I have not really kept up with the times on that point and I also understand that the development of the mobile phone cannot be stopped.
Hackers called upon to shut down Thai government websites
A group of concerned citizens called "Civilians Against Single Gateway" has called on its supporters to attack government websites today. With this they want to protest against the tightened Computer Crime Act (CCA), which was passed by parliament on Friday.
New Year's resolutions: Lose weight by exercising? Forget it
Christmas is just around the corner, then there is usually plenty of food and drink again. When the scales are unrelentingly confrontational in the new year, the good intentions come around the corner again. If you decide to exercise (more) to lose weight, it can sometimes be disappointing.
Prayut wants blacklist of corrupt businessmen
Prime Minister Prayut says that the government will create a blacklist of corrupt businessmen who do business with the government. Those on the list will no longer receive assignments. This was announced yesterday at a meeting of the National Anti-Corruption Committee.
Show news: Marriage Sunaree and Wouter finalized
Do you remember? In July of this year, we told you in two articles about the romance of a Thai superstar, Sunaree Ratchasima and Wouter, a Dutchman, who is 20 years younger.
Reader question: Cancel my dental insurance?
I want to cancel my additional dental insurance. I now pay a yearly premium: about 180 Euro. I will be reimbursed 75% up to a maximum of 250 euros. I go (in the Netherlands) twice a year to the dental hygienist and to the dentist.
Are there fewer tourists due to the strong Baht? You now only get 37.5 baht for 1 euro. So many things are just expensive in Thailand at the moment. My question is, does a tourist pay attention to this before booking his holiday?
Water buffalo pie – A short story by Khamsing Srinawk (1960)
Between 1958 and 1996, under the pseudonym Law Khamhoom, Khamsing Srinawk wrote a number of short stories entitled ฟ้าบ่กั้น 'Faa bo kan, Isan for: 'Heaven knows no bounds' and published in English translation as 'Khamsing Srinawk, The Politician and other stories', Silkworm Books, 2001. He dedicated the book to 'my mother who couldn't read'. It was translated into eight other languages, including Dutch.
On October 10, 2016, I arrived in Thailand with a large carrier bag from a Dutch pharmacy full of medicines prescribed by my former GP. I still have a supply for a month, but I am looking for the same medicines in Thailand because I will continue to need them for the time being.
Big, bigger, biggest and it may cost a bit. This is how they feel in Dubai about where they unfolded the plans to make Al Maktoum International Airport the largest airport in the world.
Agenda: Celebrate New Year's Eve together in Hua Hin
Last year, some of us celebrated New Year's Eve at the Sahwanboutique Resort in Hua Hin. Everyone agreed that it was an unforgettable evening. This year we are doing it again and counting on a large participation.