Experience the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Thailand
My interest in the 2018 World Cup in Moscow had fallen to an absolute minimum after the elimination of the Orange squad. But time heals many wounds and now that the World Cup is getting closer, my football heart is already starting to beat nicely.
We, the Dutch, are not there and that still stings, especially when a newspaper like Bildzeitung writes this week in a report on the exhibition match against Portugal: “Orange in World Cup form”
Belgium
But we have a good alternative in the Red Devils. I say that not only because they are our southern neighbours, but also because they have a very good team at the moment. As far as I'm concerned, they are not a direct favorite, but they are an excellent outsider, who can provide nice surprises.
The draw has determined that the Red Devils will compete in the group stage against England, Panama and Tunisia and this is Belgium's match schedule in the group stage:
- June 18, 2018 at 22.00:17.00 PM Thai time (XNUMX:XNUMX PM NL/B time: Belgium – Panama
- June 23, 2018 at 19.00:14.00 PM Thai time (XNUMX:XNUMX PM NL/B time: Belgium – Tunisia
- June 28, 2018 at 01.00:20.00 Thai time (XNUMX:XNUMX NL/B time: England – Belgium
Watch in Thailand
The Vice Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Prawit Wongsuwan, has already said in January this year that all 64 matches will be shown on Thai TV. Nobody has to buy a special antenna, dish or box for it, because the broadcasts are free. The broadcast license fees, which amount to more than 1 billion Baht, are borne by 7 unnamed public sector sponsors.
Commentary in Thai
So you can just watch the matches on Thai TV (which channel I don't know), but for foreigners it might be an objection that the commentary will take place in the Thai language. If you prefer English or Dutch commentary, a visit to a catering establishment in the major cities is essential.
Commentary in English or Dutch
So you can go to the big cities for English or Dutch commentary, but you will have to look for the best opportunity for you. This time it is also possible in Bangkok because of the favorable early starting times, although that could pose a problem for the last game against England. That match starts at 1 am, so the second half starts at 2 am, which is normally the absolute closing time of all catering establishments in Bangkok. Whether an exception will be made for the World Cup remains to be seen.
Pattaya
I can't say how things are going in the other major tourist areas, but here in Pattaya any starting time is no problem. Numerous bars will show the matches, sometimes on mega screens.
I have already heard that some Belgians who live in the Isaan have booked hotels in Pattaya for the period of the group stage with the possibility of an extension if the Red Devils progress to the final.
Pattaya, the ideal place to celebrate victory or take comfort in defeat.
Is Gringo sure of the starting times because there is no 5 hour time difference with Russia. So it could well be different.
Russia has 11 time zones, and in the link below you can find the difference with NL/B per host city.
In my opinion, the NL/B times that Gringo mentions are correct, and there is also no difference between them.
https://www.landenkompas.nl/wk-2018/tijdsverschil
18.00:3 (Sochi, UTC+XNUMX)
15.00:3 (Moscow, UTC+XNUMX)
20.00:2 (Kaliningrad, UTC+XNUMX)
UTC+2 applies in NL/B.
In Thailand, UTC+7 applies.
18-1+5 = 22
15-1+5 = 19
20-0+5 = 25
Yep. I am such a Belgian. From Isan to Pattaya.
Nice among friends, including many Englishmen, chasing each other.
As long as it stays happy.
Only, I'm booked to the quarterfinals.
If the team continues, I will knock on Gringo's door if no hotel room is available.
Just google the World Cup 2018 schedule and you will have all the times and all races that are being played.
Dear Bob,
Gringo also compares with the Dutch/Belgian time, so that seems correct to me.
I actually think it's normal that the Netherlands is not there.
That is like the Dutch in Thailand and how they express their opinion.
Explaining how it should be, but ultimately not participating in the show.
It is also true that the Dutch express their opinion more often, but not wrong and just as honest. However, I don't see what that has to do with not participating.
Incidentally, it is not impossible that England will withdraw (rumours) and that the Netherlands will then be the best in Europe of the losers (second equal with Sweden, but slightly less goal difference and recently also the highest on the European ladder of the non-participating European countries) will take its place.
It seems that Koeman is also already carefully working on some kind of preparation or at least taking it into account. After the victory over Portugal (if this can be continued) it may even be an early exit for my mother and wife. Exciting.
If England does not participate for political reasons, the Netherlands will not / will not be able to fill that gap for the same reasons.
Rumors that England will not participate? 555 Made up nonsense, gossip and backbiting or an April 1 joke. That people speculate about that?! Sport and politics don't mix, so unless war breaks out, the World Cup will continue as planned.
I myself have 0,0 interest in football and also the World Cup. I do have wonderful memories of the last World Cup. My sweetheart was thrilled. He was full of excitement dressed in orange and with attributes on his knees in front of the TV. I joked that 'the IND is not watching, you have nothing to prove'. I was forced to watch and could not resist encouraging the opponent, to which I received rather angry looks. 5555
The England Team, as far as politics now allow, will certainly be present at the football World Cups.
The only thing that can happen in protest is that the government officials and the Royal Family will not appear in Russia.
But nothing is more changeable than man, and this is especially true of a police.555