How much does the Thai Royal Family cost per year?
Every year, the website Prachatai reports how much money is in the Thai government budget to support the royal family in Thailand in many ways. So this is completely public data. The latest data discussed here concerns the period from October 2023 to September 2024. I round most numbers down a bit.
Twenty Wasted Years in Thai Politics
I am translating here an opinion piece by Thitinan Pongsudhirak from the Bangkok Post of December 19, 2024. He talks about Thailand's partly failed progress in socio-economic and political areas.
What does our DNA say? A few cases from the Netherlands and Thailand
The idea of having DNA tested brought surprising insights. How different are a true Dutchman, a mixed blood with Thai and Dutch roots, and a Thai woman really from each other? Beyond the clichés such as "merchantship is in the DNA of the Dutch" or "mai pen rai is in that of the Thai", this story offers a fascinating view of our connectedness.
The dark side of Pattaya
Pattaya attracts millions of tourists with its vibrant atmosphere, but behind the glitter lies a complex story of social and environmental challenges. From human trafficking and pollution to inequality and excessive party culture, the city is struggling with hidden issues that shed a different light on the tourist paradise. What are the possible solutions to make Pattaya more sustainable and fairer for everyone?
On his birthday in 1995, King Bhumibol announced that all men could undergo free sterilization
A birthday present on the occasion of King Bhumibol's birthday on December 5, 1995. An article from the Algemeen Dagblad of December 4, 1995.
In Thailand, students and Buddhist monks have brought down an authoritarian regime in large-scale protests. After years of repression, a civilian prime minister has been appointed, a step toward democracy. The events underscore the influence of student movements in Asia and prompt regional leaders to reflect on their own authoritarian regimes.
How did the Dutch press write about the history and current situation in Thailand in 1960?
Over the years, Dutch newspapers have reported extensively on Siam and later Thailand. From a few hundred mentions in the 17th century to tens of thousands after 1950. A striking article from 1960, published in the Algemeen Handelsblad, offers a glimpse into the history and situation in Thailand, with special attention to King Bhumibol and national developments.
Dusk on the waterway
Ussiri Thammachot was born in Hua Hin in 1947. He studied mass communication at Chukalongkorn University and started writing. In 1981 he was the third Thai writer to win the SEA Write Award with the short story collection 'Khunthong, You will Return at Dawn' from which this story also originates. The story is about a diabolical and universal dilemma: choose the morally right path or give himself and his family a favor?
Your opinion on integrating into Thai society
I read with interest the piece of khun Rick about Thai integration and got inspired. But instead of just sharing my own experiences, I am especially curious about yours, loyal Thailandblog readers. What does 'integrate' mean to you? How do you experience the balance between adapting and staying yourself? Share your insights and experiences about this special journey in Thai society.
Reform monasticism or else new scandals will keep coming
Thai monk V Vajiramedhi, once praised for his modern Buddhist approach, has come under fire for his support of controversial company iCon Group. What began as an attempt to make spirituality more accessible has led to a public scandal, with him accused of greed and distancing himself from Buddha's teachings.
Impunity after the Tak Bai massacre on October 25, 2004
Twenty years after the Tak Bai massacre, the families of victims are still waiting for justice. As the statute of limitations approaches, the perpetrators seem protected by bureaucracy and impunity. The tragedy painfully illustrates how difficult it is in Thailand to tackle state violence and how vulnerable the Malay Muslim community in the Deep South continues to feel as a result.
Political activist Panupong “Mike Rayong” Jadnok has fled to New Zealand
Sometimes the road to freedom is paved with difficult choices. Panupong “Mike Rayong” Jadnok, a young political activist from Thailand, had to walk that road when he decided to leave his country for a future with more freedom and security. In an emotional letter, he shares his thoughts on this difficult decision, the pain of saying goodbye, and his hopes for a better future.
How Siam/Thailand responded to the pull of the West
How did Thailand respond to contacts with the West? How did they view the West? Which things did they admire and which aroused their aversion? What did they adopt, how and for what reasons, and what did they reject? A short cultural guide.
Carabao, the band, the man and the song 'Mae Sai'
Carabao is perhaps the most famous singer and band in Thailand. Here I give a short description of his life, the nature of his songs and a video with lyrics of what I think is his most beautiful song 'Mae Sai' and with a more political song as an encore.
Activist Arnon Nampa jailed for calling for royal reform
Prominent activist and human rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa (อานนท์นำภา, Aanon Namphaa), was sentenced to four years in prison last week. The BBC wrote an article about that.
Botan, a writer who stole my heart
I learned more about Thailand from this book than from ten information books. I recommend reading it to anyone interested in Thailand, says Tino Kuis about 'Letters from Thailand' by the Chinese/Thai writer Botan. A preview in this post.
Polygamy was common in Thailand at court and bourgeoisie
Tino Kuis gave a very favorable book review of 'Woman, Man, Bangkok. Love, Sex and Popular Culture in Thailand by Scot Barmé He read this book in one breath as if it were a political thriller and promised more. Here again a contribution based on Barmé's book. About polygamy or polygamy.
Lalana “Jeab” Kongthoranin, Woman of the Year 2023
Lalana “Jeab” Kongthoranin, hereinafter Jeab (note 1), was chosen by the Bangkok Post as 'Woman of the Year' in 2023, in particular for her contribution to public health. Here is a brief summary of her very special life.
The creation of the Thai nation is usually viewed from a Western perspective. After all, the West helped make the country what it is today. The influence of the Chinese community is often lost sight of. With the publication of 'The Crown & the Capitalists, the ethnic Chinese and the founding of the Thai nation', writer Wasana Wongsurawat sheds new light on this.
Mor lam, traditional music of the Isaan
Unrequited love, the struggle for existence and nostalgia for the village life of the Isaan are the themes of mor lam and lug thung songs. Tino Kuis about the traditional music of the Northeast of Thailand. Read and listen.
This book by Thongchai Winichakul describes how the memories of the massacre at Thammasat University on October 6, 1976 were experienced on a personal and national level. He tells how memories were suppressed because they were too painful and how the memories were distorted. There were no commemorations on a national level for the first twenty years.
Book review – Scot Barmé: Woman, Man, Bangkok, Love, Sex and Popular Culture in Thailand
There are books that completely renew my view on aspects of countries, communities and events. The book by Scot Barmé mentioned above, already published in 2002, is such a work. I read it like a thriller in one breath, in a day and a half night.