Reader question: Solar powered swimming pool pump in Thailand
Who uses a solar powered pool pump? I'm thinking of buying something like this and found something on the internet from Lorentz, a German product. This is also for sale in Thailand.
I have tried to apply for the yellow book, but I have no success. Are there rules on how to request such a booklet? I had never applied for it before. The lady asks for guarantees, I have been officially registered at this address for 5 years. I would like to have the rules on paper in Thai.
Thailand faces many environmental problems. Water, land and air pollution are serious in many places in Thailand. I give a short description of the state of the environment, something about the causes and backgrounds and the current approach. Finally, a more detailed explanation of the environmental problems around the large industrial area Map Ta Phut in Rayong. I also describe the protests of environmental activists.
THAI deploys 18 flights to pick up stranded citizens
Thai Airways International (THAI) will pick up stranded Thais in Europe and Asia with eighteen special flights. These so-called repatriation flights are used to prevent Thai citizens from returning to their home country.
On August 21, an NL reader wrote that he was in vain at the SSO Laem Chabang to sign the Proof of Life. They wouldn't do it again. I made inquiries with the SVB in NL via their website and promised to let you know the answer.
About the Isan in Northeastern Thailand
Many stories on Thailandblog are about the Isaan, the northeastern part of Thailand or about the ladies who come from there. But talking or writing about 'the Isaan' is in fact impossible given the size of the area.
I have a retirement visa for the last 2 years. Now I have to go back to Belgium for an operation, but my visa ends on October 18. Is it still worth getting a re-entry stamp, since I will still have to apply for a new visa when I return to Thailand (married with children)?
Much to our delight, today my girlfriend has been approved for a new Schengen visa for 90 days, multi entry, for 2 years. She will be allowed to enter the Netherlands again from October 5, partly due to the covid-free travel declaration that allows her to come to the Netherlands despite all the restrictions. Fortunately, we met the conditions of a demonstrable long-distance relationship.
Reader question: What to take with you when emigrating to Thailand?
The plans to leave for Thailand for good are taking shape. The sooner the better. On this site I have already read several posts about whether or not to take household goods with you. In principle, I do not take household goods with me. Costs do not outweigh new purchase.
Investigate debts at THAI Airways: 'Many irregularities discovered'
The Transport Ministry on Tuesday submitted the findings of an investigation into alleged irregularities at Thai Airways International (THAI) to the Ministry of Finance for further action.
Reader submission: Covid-19 statement from health insurer VGZ
Dear readers, after many mailings and complaints, finally the English insurance statement COVID-19 from my health insurer VGZ. So finally end of discussion.
Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen is prepared, together with ANVR, ANWB, Consumentenbond and SGR, to investigate the possibility of an airline ticket guarantee fund in the Netherlands. This is the outcome of a discussion that the parties had about this yesterday.
2 years ago I made a quick link on my desktop to the website of the immigration service to quickly download the TM 7 form, among other things. Now I see that the website has been updated and the link to the TM 7 form to be downloaded no longer works. I went through the website, but I can't find the TM 7 form anymore.
Reader Submission: No proof of life to be sent
Today I received the following correspondence from the pension fund SBZ (Stichting Bedrijfstakpensioenfonds Zorgverzekeraars): You do not need to send proof of life now. The board of SBZ Pensioen has decided to make a one-off exception for this year.
Crisis? New ideas at Tulip House in Pattaya!
Today we spoke to Mathieu Corporaal of Tulip House at the Dutch Brigde Club Pattaya where we can play bridge three times a week.
Reader question: Traveling back to Thailand for a Thai person
For a Thai friend who has a valid Schengen visa, I want to book a KLM flight with departure October 24, 2020 and return January 9 or 10, 2021. Now I know that I have to arrange the return flight via the Thai embassy in the Netherlands . But to enter the Schengen area, he must be able to present a return ticket. So I will have to book this ticket in advance. I was told by the Thai embassy that I have to contact them one month before the return trip to arrange the return flight. The question then is, of course, whether he can/may take the KLM flight that has already been booked?
I hear friends recommend Transferwise to transfer money from, in my case Belgium to Thailand, but one of these friends claims that you have to have a European address and that I, who live in Thailand, cannot use this company.