Thai Mekhong whiskey is actually rum
Mekhong (แม่ โขง) is a Thai liquor with a long history. The gold-colored bottle is also called "The Spirit of Thailand". Many Thai call it a whiskey but actually it is a rum.
Challenges and changes in Thailand's agricultural sector
Thailand's agricultural sector, once the backbone of the country, is facing major changes. This article delves into its historical roots, analyzes current challenges such as climate change and technology gaps, and explores future opportunities through sustainability and innovation. It is a crucial moment for Thai agriculture to reinvent itself.
Thailand is exploring its potential to become the focal point for LGBTQIA+ marriages in Asia. The Commerce Department has highlighted the economic benefits of legalizing same-sex marriage. With a strong focus on improving legal structures and wedding services, Thailand aims to position itself as the ideal destination for inclusive weddings.
Thailand stands at a crossroads of time, where age-old traditions collide and mingle with the waves of modernization. At the heart of this cultural drama is the deep-seated reverence for the monarchy and Buddhism, which together form the country's social and political backbone, even as the voice of youth for change grows louder.
Don't just say stupa to a chedi
You simply cannot miss it in Thailand; the chedis, the local variant of what is known in the rest of the world - with the exception of Tibet (chorten), Sri Lanka (dagaba) or Indonesia (candi), as the stupas, the round structures containing Buddhist relics or, as in some cases also the cremated remains of the Great Ones of the Land and their relatives.
Phra Mae Thoranee: the revered Earth Goddess
Phra Mae Thoranee or Nang Thoranee, the earth goddess of Theravada Buddhist mythology. She is worshiped and revered in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Sipsong Panna in Yunnan. In Thailand, she is a source of worship, especially in Isan, in the Northeast of Thailand.
The Thai National & Other Libraries
It all started in the seventh century BC with the thousands of clay tablets of King Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. A collection of texts that was systematically arranged and catalogued and it has continued in this way for twenty-eight centuries, albeit with trial and error. So the oldest library was that of good old Assurbanipal, the youngest newcomer is the internet.
This short story is set in 1975 when right-wing groups chanted “Kill the communists!” opened the attack on protesting farmers, workers and students. The writer experienced this personally.
And that's where the gold diggers show up again!
I have previously written on Thailandblog about the Thai version of the Loch Ness Monster; a persistent myth that pops up with the regularity of a clock. Although in this specific case it is not about a prehistoric aquatic creature, but about an even more imaginative enormous treasure that the retreating Japanese troops are said to have buried near the infamous Burma-Thai Railway at the end of the Second World War.
Moon Kwan, a nice souvenir from Thailand
If you are looking for inspiration for a nice and also useful souvenir from Thailand, you can consider a Moon Kwan. This is a 3-piece pillow/mattress, also known as a triangular mattress, that you can use for multiple purposes.
The unknown Railway of Death
Lung Jan has been working for a few years on a book in which he tries to reconstruct the almost forgotten story of the romusha. Romusha was the collective name for the voluntary and forced Asian laborers who were employed by the Japanese occupier in the construction and maintenance of the Thai-Burma railway, which soon and quite rightly became known, or rather, infamous, as the infamous Railway of Death, the Railway of Death….
Gringo has already written an excellent story about sports in Thailand and the editors have not left their mark either. Of course I will not repeat that, but I do want to elaborate on one aspect, namely the risk of overheating. And overheating can be life-threatening.
The new treaty between the Netherlands and Thailand to prevent double taxation is not coming out of the pipeline (yet?). According to some, it would have come into effect on January 1, but there still appear to be too many obstacles in the way. It is not clear whether these are Thai bears or Dutch bears, but those examining the regulations in the Netherlands are hopeful that the homeland will not levy taxes until January 1, 2026 or even 2027 at the earliest. It is not impossible that, on second thought, Thailand also wants a piece of the pie.
Let's go to Lopburi
Recently there was a nice video on this blog about the monkeys in Lopburi, who roam around there in large numbers. A great opportunity to tell something more about this province. Because not too far from Bangkok, it is a good place to spend a few days exploring.
Dissidents in Thailand: to what extent are they helping to change Thailand for the better?
A dissident is an individual or group that opposes prevailing political, religious or social views or policies and seeks to change them. Thailand had many dissidents in its history. What were they able to accomplish?
Thailand is opening the doors to legal casinos in an attempt to replace the underground gambling culture
Thailand is about to take a historic step by legalizing casinos, in a strategic move to attract international investment and put an end to widespread illegal gambling activities. With plans to attract prestigious global entertainment giants, Thailand is aiming to transform its tourism landscape by creating large-scale leisure centers aimed at attracting foreign visitors.
About a watchful dog and a sleeping princess
In many mythical places in Thailand one can find strange, often fabulous rock formations that stimulate the imagination. A large number of these bizarre, strange phenomena can be discovered in Sam Phan Bok, which is also - and in my opinion not entirely wrong - called the Grand Canyon of Thailand.
The Garuda as a national symbol of Thailand
The Garuda is the national symbol of Thailand. In Thai it is called Phra Khrut Pha, which you could literally translate as "Garuda as the vehicle" (of Vishnu). The Garuda was officially adopted as the national symbol by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1911. The mythical creature had been used as a symbol of royalty in Thailand for centuries before that.
Gender equality in Thailand is still lacking
In the run-up to International Women's Day on March 8, the Bangkok Post wrote in a recent editorial about the continuing serious lack of gender equality in Thailand.
The secret of the name Siam
A few years ago I made a translation of an article about Sukhothai. In the introduction I called Sukhothai the first capital of the kingdom of Siam, but that was not a good translation of the "Siamese Kingdom of Sukhothai", as stated in the original article. In response to the recent publication, a reader pointed out to me that Sukhothai was not the capital of Siam, but of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
Tips for successful investing in Thailand
Thailand is known for its dynamic economy, strategic location in Southeast Asia and attractive investment opportunities. With a strong focus on export-driven sectors and a government that actively encourages foreign investment, the country offers various opportunities for foreigners. Despite some challenges, such as political instability, the benefits remain significant for those who understand the market.
If you are on Highway No. 2 to the north, about 20 kilometers after Nakhon Ratchasima you will see the turn off road number 206, which leads to the town of Phimai. The main reason to drive to this town is to visit the "Phimai Historical Park", a complex with ruins of historical Khmer temples.