The beachcomber who donates to the sea
The sea attracts and repels, a mysterious force that invites without promising. For a moment I did not become an adventurer of the water, but found myself in the rhythm of the waves. Here, at the edge of the ocean, I felt a connection, a place for forgotten thoughts and unexpected peace.
'Lost in the backstreets of Bangkok'
When an unsuspecting tourist takes a wrong turn, he finds himself in a dark, unfamiliar part of Bangkok. Amid shadows and silent faces, he is rescued from his predicament by a woman who offers him a glimpse of human warmth in a city known for its harsh side.
'Hopeless colonial in Pattaya'
In bustling Pattaya, with a glass of wine in hand and a touch of irony, a man of the world tries to impress. But as he sips, he observes a scene that is both hilarious and uncomfortable. What begins as an evening of bravado ends with a painful lesson—literally and figuratively—in culture clashes and self-awareness.
'Looking for a better future in Bangkok'
With a child in her arms and a broken heart, she leaves Isaan in search of a better future in Bangkok. But in the concrete jungle of the city, she discovers that not all dreams come true. While she fights to survive, the distance to her son and the loneliness that slowly surrounds her grow.
'Hidden desire and ultimate temptation in the streets of Bangkok'
In the nighttime streets of Bangkok, a Dutch tourist gets caught up in a seductive encounter. While his wife stays behind in the hotel, the city draws him into its shadows. A simple massage turns into an inner battle between desire and fidelity, where his conscience and lust collide. In the end, the flesh wins and he is left with a guilty truth.
'About failed harvests, lost hope and a youth in a hurry'
In the twilight of Isaan, Khun Somchai and his neighbor Suriya sit together by their hut, staring at the disappearing sun. Their conversations, full of melancholy and restrained humor, are about failed harvests, lost hopes, and a youth in a hurry. As life goes on and the countryside falls silent, they realize that the old times are slowly fading away.
'A game about survival'
In the shadow of Pattaya’s neon lights and stifling heat, Nok plays a game of survival. Every night is a repetition of desire and disappointment, until she encounters a mysterious client who tests her limits. What begins as a routine encounter quickly turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse where escape is not an option.
'In the shadows of Bangkok in search of freedom and pleasure'
In the shadows of Bangkok, a 54-year-old Dutch man searches for freedom and pleasure, from one willing woman to another. But when the symptoms of an STD worsen, it becomes clear that his boundless desire is not without consequences. As he struggles with his choices, the bitter price of his lifestyle dawns on him.
Herman, fishing for happiness in Thailand
While I was quietly enjoying my diet coke, an unknown gentleman came to stand at my table with the grace of an older panther. Before I knew it, he had taken a seat and turned out to be a loyal reader of Thailandblog. He wanted to share his special life story with me, from his departure to Thailand to the ups and downs of an adventurous existence.
'A smile as an echo of a lost dream in Isaan'
In the vast, dusty landscape of Isaan, a traveling farang meets a young woman whose smile touches him deeply. Their shared moments are fleeting and fragile, with language barriers barely broken. As time slips away, a fleeting connection forms that makes him realize that some encounters are as mysterious as they are unforgettable.
'Down in the dumps in paradise'
Jan once thought Pattaya would be his escape, a new beginning in the sun. Now he’s stuck in a cheap guesthouse, with an expired visa and barely any money for the next day. His dreams of freedom have faded, replaced by a struggle to survive in a city that’s going crazy.
Soap operas in Thailand
Lakorn (Thai: ละคร) is the Thai word for play, but is also used to refer to the Thai genre of soap operas.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 5 (final)
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural. Today part 5 and also the conclusion.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 4
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates from the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural.Today part 4.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 3
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural. Over time, it has been constantly modified and expanded, and has remained a popular and entertaining epic told by itinerant storytellers and troubadours. It was at the Siamese court, in the late nineteenth century, that the story was first recorded in writing. This is how a standardized, sanitized version of this famous story was created. Chris Baker and Pashuk Phongpaichit translated and adapted this story for an English speaking audience and published 'The Tale of Khung Chang, Khun Phaen'. Part 3 today.
Classics in Thailand: “Hotel California” by the Eagles
Thailand has a lot to offer for live music lovers. Wherever you go and even in the corners of the country, you will find Thai or sometimes Filipino bands that play music with conviction. The pronunciation of the English language is sometimes difficult for Thai, but the enthusiasm of the musicians is no less.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 2
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural. Today part 2.
Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Thailand's most famous legend – part 1
Thailand's most famous epic is about the tragic love triangle between Khun Chang, Khun Phaen and the beautiful Wanthong. The story probably dates back to the 17th century and was originally an oral story full of drama, tragedy, sex, adventure and the supernatural.
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.
The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
The most sacred Buddha statue in Thailand is the Emerald Buddha. The statue can be admired in the central ubosoth of Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Pattaya, Pattaya, Phuuying love you mak mak (video)
If you are planning to travel to Pattaya, you should at least know this song by heart. You can now practice. The text is below. You can hear the melody in the video. Good luck!
To Wai or not to Wai?
In the Netherlands we shake hands. Not in Thailand. Here people greet each other with a 'wai'. You fold your hands together as in a prayer, at the level (fingertips) of your chin. However, there is much more to it…