A visit to Nongkhai, the border town on the Thai side of the Mekong, is not complete without a visit to Salaeoku. Words fail to describe the sculpture garden, set up by the monk Launpou Bounleua, who died in 1996.
The best time to visit Thailand?
A question I get asked regularly: “What is the best time to visit Thailand?” Frankly, there is no clear answer to that.
The new treaty between the Netherlands and Thailand to prevent double taxation is not coming out of the pipeline (yet?). According to some, it would have come into effect on January 1, but there still appear to be too many obstacles in the way. It is not clear whether these are Thai bears or Dutch bears, but those examining the regulations in the Netherlands are hopeful that the homeland will not levy taxes until January 1, 2026 or even 2027 at the earliest. It is not impossible that, on second thought, Thailand also wants a piece of the pie.
Thailand's largest chedi is located in Nakhon Pathom
In Nakon Pathom, 60 kilometers west of Bangkok, you will not meet many foreigners. However, it is a nice city, where there is still a lot to do and see.
A place of worship for/with rabbits
Even after 15 years, Thailand sometimes surprises me. Like recently when visiting a place of worship, not a temple. Extensively furnished with many hundreds of rabbits, but made of stone.
This temple is worth a mountain of money
There are temples and temples in Thailand, more than 40.000 in total. One is a bit more beautiful and impressive than the other, but in general it is a suit from the same cloth. With some exceptions, such as the temple, made of beer bottles. South of Prachuap Khiri Khan is another remarkable specimen. The Wat Ban Thung Khlet is completely decorated with coins.
A fascinating insight into Thai culture
If you ever come near Ratchaburi/Nakhon Pathom, a visit to NaSatta Park is definitely worth it. Normally I'm not a big fan of the parks in Thailand, because foreigners always pay the main price and the descriptions are usually in Thai. If not in NaSatta park.
Hua Hin as a base for visiting paradise spots
Hua Hin may have the reputation of being an old people's resort in high season, but there are plenty of paradise spots around the seaside resort that also appeal to young people.
Ayutthaya, the plundered capital
Ayutthaya basically means 'unconquerable'. That was an excellent name for four centuries, until in 1765 the Burmese plundered the beautiful metropolis with more than 2000 temples and slaughtered the inhabitants or carried them away as slaves.
New Hua Hin train station opens on December 11
The new Hua Hin train station will be inaugurated on December 11 with the arrival of the first train. From December 15, all trains will pass through the elevated station, a stone's throw from the old building, loved by tourists. It is said to be a kind of train museum. The old tracks may then be used by freight trains.
Hans Bos outlines the experience with the Kasikorn Bank in Hua Hin, Thailand. For years he has kept 800.000 baht in savings in his account to meet Immigration requirements. During a recent check, he discovered that the bank only offered 0,87% interest. In an attempt to get a better return, he visits the Bluport branch. Hans discovers that due to the scattered origins of the money, each part falls under a different interest rate regime.
Geert, in Hua Hin looking for warmth and love
Geert D. is an old friend, literally and figuratively. He still looks pretty good at 59 years old and has been living in the royal resort of Hua Hin for about three years. He settled there, with his girlfriend Lek, but she saw a better future a few months ago in a whirlwind existence in the nightlife of Bangkok.
Hua Hin is being pushed up at the pace of the nations
Hua Hin, a booming region in Thailand, is about to welcome several impressive developments. As the ambitious train station nears completion and Bangkok's Hua Hin Hospital undergoes a significant expansion, a cultural highlight enriches the local community. On December 15, the renowned Dutch swing band B2F will perform in the garden of the Sheraton Hotel, an event that underlines the cultural vibrancy of Hua Hin. This introduction offers a glimpse into both the urban developments and the vibrant cultural life of the region.
Agreement on a tax treaty may take some time
It may take quite some time before a new tax treaty between the Netherlands and Thailand comes into effect. “Not until Thailand agrees at all levels. We don't know how or what at the moment.” Ambassador Remco van Wijngaarden stated this at a 'meet&greet' with Dutch people in Hua Hin and the surrounding area. More than a hundred compatriots and their partners attended the meeting.
'Tax treaty with Thailand is not yet a done deal'
Understood that the article in Thailandblog of October 18 regarding the assumption that the treaty with Thailand will enter into force on January 1, 2024 has caused some commotion. It doesn't seem to me to be a race yet given the experiences with the date of signing and date of final entry into force of recent tax treaties. Often terms longer than one year and sometimes several years.
A beautiful German palace in Petchaburi
If I ever have to choose to settle somewhere in Thailand, Petchaburi has a great chance. It is one of the few well-preserved towns I know of and it is dotted with the oldest and most beautiful temples. It is curious that the city does not have more visitors, although the lack of them may also be the reason for its preservation.
Ode to noodle soup
I was also a soup fanatic in the Netherlands, with a strong preference for thick asparagus or mushroom soup. My pea soup and the variant with kidney beans were renowned. In Thailand I fell for the noodle soup, in all kinds of variations.