The Thai script – lesson 3
For those who regularly stay in Thailand or have Thai family, it is useful to familiarize yourself somewhat with the Thai language. With enough motivation, practically anyone of any age can learn the language. I really don't have a language knack myself, but after about a year I can still speak basic Thai. In the following lessons a short introduction with the commonly used characters, words and sounds. Lesson 3 today.
The Electoral Council has referred the charge against Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Future Forward Party) to the Constitutional Court, Thanathorn allegedly owned shares in a media company in violation of the law. The court accepted this request and therefore suspended Thanathorn indefinitely. This means that Thanathorn will not be allowed to enter parliament until further notice. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, 20 years of exclusion from political participation and the dissolution of his party.
The Thai script – lesson 2
For those who regularly stay in Thailand or have Thai family, it is useful to familiarize yourself somewhat with the Thai language. With enough motivation, practically anyone of any age can learn the language. I really don't have a language knack myself, but after about a year I can still speak basic Thai. In the following lessons a short introduction with the commonly used characters, words and sounds. Lesson 2 today.
Interview with human rights activist Snea Thinsan
Readers may remember my meeting with human rights activists Somyot, Yunya and Marijke. Last month, Marijke invited me to meet another activist: Dr. Snea Thinsan (เสน่ห์ ถิ่นแสน). He is also known by his political nickname Piangdin Rakthai (เพียงดิน รักไทย).
The hidden danger of un-Thai behaviour
Last February, a comment by Army Commander General Apirat made headlines. He advised the opposition to listen to [Nàk Phèndin], 'Scum of the Earth'. This controversial XNUMXs song accuses some citizens of being un-Thai.
This is how the IND determines what love is
The Netherlands sets a number of requirements to allow a foreign partner from outside the EU to come to the Netherlands. One of those requirements is that the (un)married couple demonstrates that there is a sincere, real relationship. The Immigration Service (IND) therefore asks to demonstrate that there is a 'durable and exclusive relationship'. But what exactly is that? Take a seat on the IND chair yourself.
250 Heel Lickers
Just before the elections, Rap Against Dictatorship released a new song. The rappers became famous overnight with their previous song “Pràthêet koe: mie” ('This is my country'). This time too they kick the military junta with the song '1 Sǒh-phloh' (250 สอพลอ): 250 sycophants.
Thailand has a long history of coups, coups that should put the country back on the right track. After all, Thailand is a special country that, according to many coup-committing generals, is better off with a 'Thai-style' democracy. The country has so far not had the chance to develop properly democratically. What attempts at democratic development has the country experienced in the first 20 years of this century?
Thailand has a long history of coups, coups that should put the country back on the right track. After all, Thailand is a special country that, according to many coup-committing generals, is better off with a 'Thai-style' democracy. The country has so far not had the chance to develop properly democratically. What attempts at democratic development has the country experienced in the first 20 years of this century?
Schengen visa question: Visa rejected due to insufficient funds
I have had a Laotian girlfriend for two years now. We had the plan that she would come to the Netherlands for 6 weeks and we applied for a Schengen visa in Vientiane. Unfortunately, today we were told that the visa has been rejected. The reason she was told was that she did not have sufficient financial resources.
FILE SCHENGEN VISA 2019
Questions about Schengen visas regularly pop up on Thailandblog. This Schengen visa file deals with the most important points of attention and questions. Good and timely preparation is very important for a successful visa application.
In conversation with three democracy fighters
On a sunny October morning, Tino Kuis and Rob V traveled to Amsterdam for a special meeting. We had the opportunity to speak with three people who are committed to democracy, freedom of expression and human rights of Thai citizens.
Waen: Witness to a crime and prosecuted for harassment
In early 2010, the Red Shirts occupied central Bangkok for weeks, demanding the resignation of the Abhisit government, which had failed to come to power democratically. Eventually, the government deployed the army to clear the streets, killing more than XNUMX people. One of the witnesses to this was Natthathida Meewangpla, better known as Waen (แหวน). Waen was not a Red Shirt protester but a volunteer nurse who operated from a neutral temple. This is her story.
Kalaland
If you talk to the Thai about the state of the country, you have probably heard the term: Kalaland. You can see it in cartoons or songs, as recently in the song 'this is my country' (ประเทศกูมี). It's an unflattering term, but what exactly does it mean?
Shinawatra calendar is once again sowing unrest
Wassana Kenhla, a lady from Ubon Ratchathani, was visited by a group of soldiers last Monday. Not for a cup of coffee, and without an appointment - because they don't do that in Thailand -. No, they came to report because the authorities had seen on Facebook that Wassana owns a large number of calendars with the fugitive former prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra.
Statement of the week: You have a moral obligation to discuss important social and political developments with your partner
If you live in the Netherlands or Thailand with your Thai partner, it is only natural that you and your partner become part of society. This means not only learning the language and culture, but also being aware of social and political developments.
Issuing Schengen visas in Thailand under scrutiny (2017)
Every spring, EU Home Affairs, the Home Affairs department of the European Commission, publishes the latest figures on Schengen visas. In this article I take a closer look at the application for Schengen visas in Thailand and I try to provide insight into the statistics surrounding the issuance of visas to see if there are any striking figures or trends.