Living an Isaan (Part 12)
The Inquisitor now has a unique opportunity to follow the average life of a small Isaan family. Sweetheart's brother. A typical Isaan life, the ups and downs, probably with the main question: how to build a life in this underprivileged region? Time for a sequel, The Inquisitor takes you to the past, in a modern age, in what calls itself a modern country. Part 12 today.
Two new public holidays in Thailand
Thailand will have two new official holidays and commemoration days, namely July 28 and October 13. The twenty-eighth of July is the birthday of the new king Vajiralongkorn and the thirteenth of October is the anniversary of the death of the king Bhumibol.
The government has taken various measures this year to reduce the number of road casualties. Strangely enough, some measures have already been reversed under pressure from public opinion.
Twist in The Circle
Recently I am having a pleasant chat with Hans at the members' table in De Kring's restaurant, and who is coming in? “Simon! You here! What a surprise! Move on!” Simon slumps down on the seat next to me and before I can ask he declares: “We ran out of pills, so I had to come here. What's the pot for dinner?"
Thai police hunt for sex offenders
Between April 1 and April 5, police arrested 287 suspects of sex crimes across the country. That seems like a drop in the ocean because 15.453 sex offenders are still on the run, according to the Command and Control Operation Center.
THAI and the regional boutique airline Bangkok Airways have agreed to cooperate intensively. The airlines are entering into a so-called code sharing on ten domestic and four international routes, the airlines announced.
The 38th Bangkok International Motor Show 2017 attracted 1,65 million visitors this year, about the same as last year. A total of 31.000 vehicles were ordered, slightly less than last year (32.571)
Reader question: Lending money to a Thai, did I fall for it?
Did I fall for it? A good acquaintance of mine has borrowed money in the black circuit. She paid 400.000 baht every day for a loan of 12.800 Thai baht. I saw the lender come by every day and asked her the question, why? I got the answer mentioned above. You're crazy was my response. That is an interest rate on an annual basis above 1000%. Then help me, was the answer.
I have a question about sending medicines from the Netherlands to Thailand. A good acquaintance of mine is currently staying (longer than planned) in Thailand and needs new antidepressants within a reasonably short time (5 weeks). His GP in the Netherlands is willing to provide him with pills for three months, but the question now is how he will get those medicines in Thailand.
Land tax depends on location, one rate applies to buildings
The Thai government applies one tax rate for buildings. The amount of the tax for soil is variable and depends on the location. That is fairer because rich Thais in upscale neighborhoods pay more than poor Thais.
The Songkran Song (video)
During Songkran you will hear this song several times. The song is called Ram Wong Wan Songkran – รำวงวันสงกรานต์ Of course you want to sing along with this song, so here are the lyrics.
I have been hibernating in Isaan with my Thai girlfriend for several months now. In a nearby village of Ban Thum, where I had cast my fishing rod at the lake at 6 o'clock in the morning, I was approached by a foreigner. We talked about anything and everything and he told us that further down the lake there is a restaurant run by a Dutchman and his wife. My curiosity was awakened.
The Thai New Year: Songkran on April 13
The most important celebration and event in Thailand is Songkran, the Thai New Year. The celebration lasts an average of 3 days, from April 13 to April 15. Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand.
Thai lesson: Useful expressions for Songkran (viceo)
In a few more days, April 13 will be the day that Songkran will be celebrated throughout Thailand. Songkran is the Thai New Year and the most important holiday in the kingdom. It is useful to prepare for what is to come. The lovely Mod will help you with that. You will be taught by her and learn some important expressions.
Internship at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok
The Political and Economic Department of the embassy in Bangkok is looking for two enthusiastic, enterprising and versatile interns for the period from August 28, 2017 to February 23, 2018 and from September 4, 2017 to March 2, 2018.
Songkran holiday: 'Seven dangerous days'
The Thai roads are dangerous, especially around Songkran when a real population migration takes place. The government tries every year to reduce the number of road casualties during the so-called 'seven dangerous days', but hardly succeeds.
Possible attacks on Prayut thwarted?
Many weapons were found in a recent raid on a house in Pathum Thani. A number of weapons were automatic rifles, which are used in the military.