Isan experiences (10)
Once housed in Isaan, things happen that are sometimes less pleasant. Most of it has to do with the climate, even if you have already adapted by previously staying in Thailand in the holiday resorts or close to it. In the middle of Isan there is a tropical savannah climate. This results in more extreme phenomena than on the coasts. A real and long dry season, a much cooler period in winter, heavier short rain showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusts of wind in summer. So a bit more of everything, including the flora and fauna.
It starts with, now about eight years ago, a stay of about every three months in Thailand in a small village in the middle of the rice fields, not far from Khon Kaen. On one of those occasions my girlfriend is waiting for me with a baby in her arms. Started sweating even before I got in, I quickly mental arithmetic. Luckily not mine.
Reader Submission: What? A Dutch What?
You would almost think so when you look at the paintings on the ceiling in the ordination hall (ubosoth) of Wat Borom Niwat in Bangkok. What immediately catches the eye is a large Dutch flag waving in the wind on an old sailing ship. The ship sails on the Chao Phraya (Wat Arun can be seen in the background) and a pennant in the Dutch tricolor is blown from the top of another sailing ship.
Keemala on Phuket is a special accommodation
Keemala is a world class property and the prices reflect that. It is set amidst lush greenery atop rolling hills overlooking Kamala and the Andaman Sea.
My question to the Thailand blog readers is whether living half in Thailand and half living in the Netherlands is doable? If you are in that circumstance, can you share your experience with me?
Reader question: IP block?
I like to read articles on TPO.nl, because this is a site that brings news fairly objectively (could be my glasses though 🙂 ). Since today they block IP addresses in Thailand. Does anyone have the same experience?
Exploring Udonthani
I use the first weeks in Udon to explore the city a bit and of course also to get to know my Thai girlfriend, who I met digitally via ThaiLovelinks. So far I can only be very satisfied with my (and her) choice. She is very nice, sweet, speaks reasonable English, has a great sense of humor that regularly makes us laugh a lot, is very caring and, like me, loves various sports such as volleyball and football.
Is your luggage always recognizable?
You are going on a trip to Thailand, for example. Upon arrival of the plane in Bangkok, you go to the baggage carousels (check which of the nearly 20 belts your baggage will be delivered to) and patiently wait for your bags to appear. That sometimes causes problems, because the suitcases on the belt often look alike.
Not a scratch on my moped in Pattaya
In all the years that I have been on holiday in Thailand, I have traveled a lot of kilometers with a rental car. Crossed the north and east of the country frequently and have never suffered a scratch or dent. And that means a lot in this country.
Dengue outbreak in northeastern Thailand
A dengue outbreak in northeastern Thailand has resulted in 488 infections since the beginning of this year. In many cases it concerns children.
Thai – Belgian bridge celebrates 30th anniversary
The Thai – Belgian Friendship Bridge on the Rama IV Road in Bangkok has a special history. The bridge was once built in Brussels for the World Expo 1958 and served for 25 years until a tunnel connected the two halves of the city. Thanks to the then Belgian ambassador, Belgium presented the bridge to Thailand as a gift to relieve one of the most notorious crossings in Bangkok. After the foundation piles were driven, the bridge was assembled in 24 hours.
The Thai hospitality giant Minor International (MINT) of entrepreneur William Heinecke, has set its sights on the Spanish concern NH Hotel Group. If the takeover succeeds, a worldwide network of 540 hotels will be created.
My girlfriend has bowel problems. Sometimes it doesn't go for days and is painful. Now I know that in the Netherlands the GP sometimes prescribes Movicol to make things more flexible. Is that available in Thailand, or an alternative product. Are there any side effects or limitations to use? With or without a prescription?
Reader question: Places to visit in Sakon Nakhon?
From 12 to 15 July I want to go to Sakon Nakhon with my wife and 8 year old daughter. Since this area is unknown to me, I am looking for guesthouses or hotels in that area. Can you also recommend must-see sights or local markets?
Back to Thailand in September/October for a few weeks. Start and end at Krabi and want to make a trip of about 10 days to Koh Lanta in between and that's what my questions are about:
A shopper's paradise in Bangkok uses as much electricity as the entire province of Mae Hong Son
Sometimes I come across numbers that make me think. What do those numbers mean? What do they say about Thailand? Here are some figures about electricity use between different places in Thailand. And about income differences.
Flash mob at Chatuchak market in Bangkok
Young musicians from Mahidol University's College of Music made a surprise performance at Bangkok's Chatuchak Market.