Lawyers for Lawyers is an international organization based in the Netherlands that defends the interests of lawyers who have to do their work in areas where doing so is difficult or even dangerous. Every two years, this organization awards a prize to 'a lawyer or a group of lawyers who promote 'the rule of law' and human rights in a special way and who are threatened for their work.' This year, Thai lawyer Sirikan Charoensiri (nicknamed 'June') will receive the award for her 'unwavering courage and commitment'
Traffic prevention measures during Songkran
To reduce the high number of road deaths during the Songkran holiday, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a number of measures.
14 less dangerous days per year
In my “Strategic management” course, I recently assigned 38 students to analyze and come up with solutions for traffic accidents during the two main holiday periods in Thailand, namely Songkran and New Year's Eve.
Tourism puts a strain on Thailand's infrastructure
If the numbers are correct, about 30 million tourists have visited Thailand in the last few years. According to the economists of the World Bank, Thailand's infrastructure would be under great pressure.
Poor Laos
Every year when we are in Thailand for four months, we cross the border. On the one hand to see something other than just Thailand, on the other hand to get our visa for the 4th month again, which happens as soon as you enter Thailand at the airport.
Gringo had a conversation in Bangkok with Philippe Kridelka, the ambassador of Belgium in Thailand. Mr. Kridelka accepted the challenge to see a lot of the world, to get to know (foreign) people and to be able to do a lot of interesting and varied work in the interest of his country.
Dying for democracy, a taxi driver's protest
At 30 a.m. on Saturday, September 2006, 6, Nuamthomg Praiwan rammed his taxi into a tank parked at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok. On his taxi he had painted the texts 'the junta is destroying the country' and 'I sacrifice my life'. He protested against the coup d'état of September 19, 2006.
How fresh is fresh fish?
The Thai food inspection service regularly checks food. Recently, during a routine check, they made a shocking discovery at some fresh fish market traders in Pattaya.
Cremation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
For King Bhumibol, who died on October 13, 2016, preparations for the cremation are in full swing in the Sanam Luang area at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. There the crematorium is being built amidst plants and attributes that have played a role in the life of the king.
Surprising Vietnam
Beautiful beaches, impressive rice terraces, mysterious mountain passes and some of the world's most impressive natural wonders. Vietnam has it all. Add to that the excellent cuisine, friendly people and an easy to travel country and you have all the elements for your dream trip to Asia.
You recently read my account of the 1897 visit of the Siamese King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to St. Petersburg, where he was the guest of Tsar Nicholas II, whom he had met a few years earlier in Bangkok. The visit heralded the beginning of diplomatic relations between Siam and Russia, but the close friendship that had developed between these two monarchs had even more consequences.
The Dutch are very happy, Thai a bit less!
Yesterday not only spring started, but it was also the international day of happiness. Those born in the Netherlands can count themselves lucky, because our people are among the six happiest countries in the world. Those born in Thailand will be a little less happy, but Thailand scores reasonably well at place 32. Belgium is at place 17.
The Sukhumvit Road in Thailand
When traveling through Thailand, you regularly come across the name Sukhumvit Road in certain areas. Is this a lack of creativity in not being able to come up with another name? Or is there another thought behind it?
Lately there have been quite a few reports on social media in Thailand about rumors that the Thai government wants to make alcohol and cigarettes extremely expensive. There was even talk of an increase of up to 100%.
The cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bangkok Post has released details for the five-day cremation ceremony for Thailand's late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the ceremony will take place from 25 – 29 December 2017.
The Bangkok Post contains an interesting report about women who seek their fortune abroad and emigrate to live with their farang husbands. A drastic step with many bumps and pitfalls as it turns out.
Bangkok's Rock Pub celebrates its 30th anniversary
Fans of howling guitars know where to find this legendary pub in Bangkok and while everything that once was seems to be ground down by the ravages of time, the Rock pub is still alive and well.