Mae Ya Nang, Patron Saint of the Thai Traveler
On the website of a Thai newspaper I read a short article about a simple ceremony to mark the imminent commissioning of a number of new electric-powered ferries on a canal in Bangkok.
What is it like to be Malaysian in Thailand?
In the deep south of Thailand, the Malay-speaking Nayu struggle with discrimination and misunderstanding. Despite shared dreams and ambitions, such as good education and a safe future, they are often treated as second-class citizens. This story outlines the reality of their lives, where unequal treatment and exclusion are daily challenges for the Nayu community.
Bamboo tattoo in Thailand (video)
You can't ignore it in Thailand: you can walk into a Tattoo Shop on every street corner. You can of course opt for an electric tattoo machine, but that is for newbies. The real enthusiast goes for the bamboo tattoo in Thailand.
Hospitals in Thailand, which serve nearly 50 million people under the universal healthcare system, are facing serious financial difficulties. The lack of government budgets and the underestimation of medical costs by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) have led to major shortages. Hospitals are desperately looking for solutions, including donations, as pressure on healthcare providers continues to increase.
Thailand… to get poetic about…
I have found over the years that we Farang are generally not very familiar with the literature, let alone the poetry of our host country. Expats who want to integrate generally have a more thorough knowledge of, say, the local range of food, drink or women than of what is generally described as 'higher' culture.
The Mysterious Thai Smile
The famous 'Thai Smile' (Yim) is one of the many mysteries of Thailand. Although we always experience a smile as an expression of friendliness, for a Thai a smile has a different meaning and function.
Thailand's green treasure troves: An exploration of the most beautiful National Parks
The Kingdom of Thailand is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. These green oases are home to countless animal species, exotic plants and impressive landscapes. In this article, we take you on a journey through some of Thailand's most beautiful national parks and discover what these parks have to offer.
10 best places or sights in Isaan to visit
Isaan is a region in northeastern Thailand, known for its rich culture, history and beautiful landscapes. The area encompasses 20 provinces and has a population of over 22 million people.
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.
The filmed introduction of James Bond in 'Dr. No' in 1962 introduced Western cinema audiences to a world that stimulated their imagination and took them to exotic places that most could only dream of at the time: Jamaica, the Bahamas, Istanbul, Hong Kong and, of course, Thailand.
Western Writers in Bangkok: Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux (°1941) is one of the writers I would like to join right away if I could draw up a guest list for an ultimate dinner. Okay, he's arrogant and know-it-all, but what a writing style that man has…!
Where is Thailand located?
Where is Thailand located? You may not believe it, but this is one of the most common search terms about Thailand in the Google search engine. Apparently a large part of the Dutch population does not know where Thailand is.
Western writers in Bangkok – the Bangkok noir scene
On this blog I have regularly discussed Western writers of all stripes who, for one reason or another, have or had a connection with the Thai capital. Many of them have meanwhile, contrary to their work, given up and are resting on their - no doubt well-deserved - laurels in the Panthenon of the Great and Not So Great Authors.
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.
I am not telling you a secret when I say that the influence of the Thai army on the social and political developments in the country in the last century has been indispensable. From coup to coup, the military caste not only managed to strengthen its position but also – and this until today – to maintain its grip on the country's government.
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.
The wai is a traditional Thai greeting that has been used for centuries in Thailand and other countries in the region. The wai is used to show respect, courtesy and gratitude and is often given on formal and informal occasions, such as greetings, farewells, apologies and thanks.
Phya Anuman Rajadhon พระยาอนุมานราชธน (1888-1969), who became known by his pen name Sathiankoset, can be regarded as one of the most influential pioneers, if not the founder, of modern Thai anthropology.
About gender and sex, in Thailand and in world history
Much has already been written about gender and sex. I want to correct a few misconceptions here. Are there many transgender people in Thailand? Is the transgender idea something modern, progressive or Western? No, that's not it. Very briefly, we could define gender as something between the ears and sex as something between the legs, and the connection between them was never self-evident. Diverse gender identity and gender expression is very common throughout the world and in all eras.
Books in Bangkok
Those who read my pen fruits on this blog may have noticed a few times that I am a book lover pur sang.
Looking for Burmese traces in Chiang Mai
In the official Thai historiography, there are a number of historical phases that people prefer to talk about as little as possible. One of those periods is that of the two centuries that Chiang Mai was Burmese. You can already question the Thai identity and character of the Rose of the North anyway, because formally Chiang Mai, as the capital of the kingdom of Lanna, has not been part of Thailand for even a century.