A Thai in the German Wehrmacht
For years I have been looking for a book that can shed light on one of the most intriguing pages of Thailand's World War II history. The cover features a photo of a German Wehrmacht officer with unmistakable Asian facial features. This book contains the memoirs of Wicha Thitwat (1917-1977), a Thai who had served in the ranks of the German Wehrmacht during this conflict.
Hendrick Indijck: The first Dutchman in Angkor Wat
One of the men who risked their lives for the VOC was Hendrik Indijck. It is not clear when exactly he was born, but it is true: according to most historians, this happened around 1615 in Alkmaar. Indijck was a literate and adventurous man.
Relics of the Srivija Empire in Surat Thani
I really like the traces left by the Khmer civilization in Thailand, but that doesn't mean I close my eyes to all the other beautiful heritage that can be found in this country. In the Chaiya district of Surat Thani, for example, there are a number of special relics that testify to the influence of the Indonesian Srivija empire on the south of what is now Thailand.
Wat Mahatat, the jewel in the crown of Sukhothai
In recent months on this blog I have regularly reflected on the Sukhothai Historical Park, which is littered with important cultural-historical relics. Of course Wat Mahatat should not be missing in a series of contributions on this site.
Thailand is a noodle paradise
If we are to believe Wikipedia – and who wouldn't? – are noodles “…consumables made from unleavened dough and cooked in water,” which, according to the same infallible encyclopaedic source, “has traditionally been one of the staple foods in many Asian countries.” I couldn't have phrased it better were it not for the fact that this definition does a gross injustice to the delicious noodle paradise that is Thailand.
McDang: Thai cooking with regal allure
Occasionally I write on this blog about literature and Thailand. Today I would like to take a moment to think about… cookbooks. For some, no literature at all, but in any case a genre that cannot be ignored because they form an important, still growing niche in the book market.
About high peaks, cliffhanger, hikes & other climbing work
I don't know exactly what it is but I have a thing for mountains. A very long time ago, in another life, when I was still young and handsome, I crossed many European mountain massifs. From the rugged Cuillins of Skye, Scotland, over the grand Basque Pyrenees and the breathtaking Mont Blanc to the Dolomites in South Tyrol where I searched the eternal ice for the traces of the Great War: They hardly hold any secrets for me. Today I am only handsome (5555) and only the beautiful memories that I can cherish.
Thai in the Korean War
It is well known that the Thai armed forces played an important role as an ally of the United States during the Vietnam War. Much less known is that a decade earlier they were also actively involved in the conflict that would go down in history as the Korean War.
Wat Si Chum: big, bigger, biggest…
By way of conclusion to a whole series of contributions about all the beautiful things that can be found in and outside the Sukhothai Historical Park, I would like to take a moment to reflect on Wat Si Chum. A temple complex dating back to the thirteenth century in the so-called northern zone, which is an outsider in more than one respect in this immense historical park.
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng: a Khmer shrine in southern Thailand
Having only visited Phetchaburi or Phetburi as it is often called, I must admit that I was charmed by this city which is one of the oldest in Thailand.
Wat Phra That Phanom: Pearl of the Mekong Valley
Before you know it you've already driven through: The somewhat sleepy town of Nakhon Phanom now seems unsightly, but it was once the center of the mythical principality of Sri Kotrabun that ruled from the 5th to the 10th century AD along both banks of the Mekong asserted. The most important relic that can be found in the area from this glorious period is without a doubt the temple Wat Phra That Phanom.
Prasat Hin Phanom Wan: A Khmer gem in Korat
No one will ever be able to cure my fondness for the mysterious Khmer Empire. So many riddles remain that it may take many generations to find all the answers, if at all…
The 'Phalad nature trail' – the monks' trail to Doi Suthep
In a previous contribution to Thailand blog, I briefly discussed Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the temple complex on the Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai, one of the most revered and most visited temples in northern Thailand. There are a number of ways to visit this location, but for the more sporty readers I would like to linger on the so-called Phalad Nature Trail, or the Monk's Trail, a walking route that takes you to the top of the mountain and the monastery. brings.
Dutch wallflowers in Southeast Asia
Most culturally interested visitors to Thailand will come face to face with the impressive statues of what are described in most guidebooks as 'Farang' guards when visiting Wat Pho sooner or later in Bangkok.
Phumhuang 'Pheung' Duangchan, the queen of life song
I know very few Farang who are really charmed by Luk Thung, a Thai music movement that originated in the fifties of the last century and to this day, especially in Isaan, is an extremely popular genre that can best be compared in terms of content. with the tearjerkers and the tear-jerking life song of the Dutch Polderpop. Even if it is about grazing buffalo, sweating farmers and muddy rice fields.
Wat Phra Kaew: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the royal palace is for many the main attraction of Bangkok. Just a little too busy and chaotic for my taste. Being overwhelmed by fanatically photographing and elbow-butting hordes of Chinese has never been my idea of an ideal day out, but it is indeed a must see.
Pai Loei….
I really can't keep track of the number of times my lovely spouse has hurled 'Pai Loei' at my head on the fingers of two hands. Loei really is one of those increasingly rare places in Thailand where you realize you've penetrated deep into the largely untouched heart of Southeast Asia.