Will Thai luck ever run out?
Thailand has a passive and superstitious culture, based on faith, fate and sheer luck, with the ingrained belief that everything always works out just fine. After all, karma determines our fate and if necessary we give fate a helping hand, so mai pen rai!
Column: The Buddhist and the BMW
The status sensitivity of the Thais borders on the absurd. Most of the residents of our flat are in their twenties and early thirties, who are at the beginning of the career they envision today. They usually earn a salary of between 600 and 800 euros per month and are relatively highly educated.
In memory of approximately 230.000 people…
Eight years ago, a huge body of water brought death and destruction to the countries around the Indian Ocean. 230.000 people lost their lives. Cor Verhoef looks back.
Christmas spirit grips Bangkok
The Holidays have begun, so put all your worries aside and enjoy the atmosphere of Bangkok with all its festivities. Let politics be politics for now.
Tattoo mak mak – about tattoos in Thailand
Time and time again I am amazed at the amount of tattoo shops in Thailand and especially in the tourist areas. Given the number, you would expect that half of all Thai walk with plates on the body.
Column: Ning, it's dangerous here! The Swat valley beckons!
Judging by the results of the survey published this morning on the online version of The Bangkok Post, which asked the intriguing question: "Is Thailand the most dangerous country in Asia?" then it's time to pack your bags
Column: 'Would you like to have dinner, molest, rape with me?'
I once wrote that one of the many things that make living and working in Thailand so pleasant is that it is such a safe country. There is relatively little stealing (except by politicians, but that's another story).
'Shocking fraud in Thailand with authentic Delft Blue'
Our Dutch pride is made in Thailand. The famous decorative plates, vases, candlesticks and crockery, in that typical blue-white color, come from a factory in the north of Thailand.
Lice in Thailand
I live in Thailand and have a life, so to speak, "like a louse on a very head". However, I don't feel like a louse ball, I've never had to deal with lice and that's already special, because before you know it, you've got one or more.
Are Thai little kids spoiled brats?
Rarely do I come across a small child of whom I think: gosh, what a nice child. I see little dictators and crybabies sweetened with sweets.
Is the Sangha doomed?
When I listen to the gossip of villagers, read the stories of monks' misconduct and see for myself how monks behave, I can only draw one conclusion: it is 5 to 12 for Thai monasticism, the Sangha.
We drink to that!
“I hadn't been feeling well for a while, thought of all kinds of scary illnesses that I could have. In the end, I made a bold decision and visited my doctor.
"Thank you Thailand"
Thank you Thai, I say from the bottom of my heart. I'm flattered. Oh, I've always known you cherished my presence, but it's still touching to see it revealed in its fullest extent in recent polls.
Column: About education
For years I have wondered, and many who have ever visited the city or live there, how come Bangkok is such a safe city?
Column: Bangkok body snatchers…one is dead, the other is his rice
The metropolis of Bangkok, the city that got under my skin after ten years - what a beautiful Anglicism, if I do say so myself - has one thing in common with the Netherlands: fielus.
Column: Am I integrated…? (the judgment is up to the reader)
With all the squabbles regarding integration and integration of foreigners in the Netherlands, I started to wonder if I am integrated enough in my new homeland Thailand.
Column: 'Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens'
For many retirees from any country, Thailand is an attractive country to spend the autumn of their lives.