Farang: very strange birds
We find the Thai, at times, but strange. Often there is no rope to tie and all logic for the way of acting by a Thai is missing. The same applies the other way around. Farang (westerners) are just strange birds. Rather rude, ill-mannered and clumsy. But also kind-hearted and a source of entertainment.
Thai Buddhist rituals and influencing your karma
Those who visit Thailand will certainly have seen a temple from the inside. What immediately stands out is the geniality. No binding protocols and no straitjacket that determines what is and what is not allowed.
The head, an important body part in Thailand
For Thais, the head, and especially the top of the head, is the most important part of the body. That is where someone's spirit (kwan) resides, the head and everything that has to do with it must be treated with respect.
Chewing betel nut in the Thai countryside
Anyone who has ever been to the Thai countryside (Isaan) or to the hill tribes (Hilltribes) will have seen it. Women and men who chew on a reddish substance: betel nut.
The Thai sniff kiss, an intimate gesture in which one rubs one's nose against the skin of another and inhales the scent, has its origins in ancient Thai traditions. This kiss symbolizes respect, love and connection and is mainly exchanged between family members, lovers and close friends. It remains a beloved ritual that strengthens deep emotional bonds in modern Thai society.
Kuman Thong – The legend of Khun Chang Khun Phaen
It is clear that superstition plays an important role in Thai culture. Just look at the many spirit houses. Animism, the belief in ghosts, goes quite far. Thais believe in good spirits that protect you and can bring you luck, but the fear of evil spirits is much greater. A good mind is the mind of an unborn child: Kuman Tong.
Western Writers in Bangkok: Joseph Conrad
Polish sailor Teodor Korzeniowski first visited Bangkok in January 1888 when he was an officer in the British Merchant Navy. He had been sent to the Siamese capital from Seaman's Lodge in Singapore to take command of the Otago, a rusty barque whose captain had died suddenly and most of the crew had been hospitalized with malaria.
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.
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.
Botan, a writer who stole my heart
I learned more about Thailand from this book than from ten information books. I recommend reading it to anyone interested in Thailand, says Tino Kuis about 'Letters from Thailand' by the Chinese/Thai writer Botan. A preview in this post.
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…!
Phatthalung the origin of the Manora dance (video)
With the recognition of Manora by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this local dance from Southern Thailand is known worldwide as a traditional Thai dance. The Thai government wants to further promote these and other traditions.
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.
The first Thai song I got to know was from an all-female band. The name of this band? Pink (พิงค์). The rock song, and maybe also those nice ladies, that I fell for was called “rák ná, dèk ngôo”. What was so special about that song? Watch and listen in.
The creation of the Thai nation is usually viewed from a Western perspective. After all, the West helped make the country what it is today. The influence of the Chinese community is often lost sight of. With the publication of 'The Crown & the Capitalists, the ethnic Chinese and the founding of the Thai nation', writer Wasana Wongsurawat sheds new light on this.
Jim Thompson in 'The Burma deception' by Roel Thijssen
In June of this year there was an article on this blog with a book review of the sixth part in the Graham Marquand series of thrillers by the Belgian writer Roel Thijssen.
The do's and don'ts of Thailand
Are you going on holiday to Thailand? Then you don't have to memorize a whole list of do's and don'ts. Most missteps are easily forgiven. Thais know that foreign visitors have different customs and are flexible about this.
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.
Superstitions in Thailand
In certain parts of Thailand (North and Northeast), Animism plays a more important role than Buddhism. Superstitions can sometimes take on strange forms, as this list of examples shows.
Book review: Bencharong Chinese porcelain for Siam
Two years ago River Books in Bangkok published the chic looking book Bencharong – Chinese Porcelain for Siam. A luxuriously published book about an eminently luxurious and exclusive artisanal product. The American author Dawn Fairley Rooney, who lives in Bangkok, was not ready for her test piece. She has already published nine books, four of which are about Southeast Asian ceramics.
The Fairy Tale of Princess Manorah
Once upon a time there was a Thai princess named Manorah Kinnaree. She was the youngest of 7 Kinnaree daughters of King Parathum and Queen Jantakinnaree. They lived in the mythical kingdom of Mount Grairat.