No fear of dying
The residents in the border region of Thailand and Cambodia are once again put to the test. The fighting over a disputed piece of land and a few ancient temples is causing fear among the local population. Nevertheless, they do not want to move, even if this would put their lives in danger.
Sense of humor of a Thai
This is a subject that I know little about, but that interests me: the sense of humor of a Thai. My personal experiences in this area are very positive. Most Thai people I know are up for a joke and have a lot of humor. In addition, I think it's great that despite the limited command of the English language, they can still come up with a lot of wit. They are usually great company too. …
The countdown has really begun now
The Easter days in the Netherlands are special this year. It could be the middle of summer. Yesterday I went jogging and for a moment I thought I was walking abroad. The thermometer got stuck at 27 degrees and that is exceptional for the end of April. The weather in the Netherlands seems to be quite upset. Snow in November and almost tropical in April. Can it get any crazier? Vacation The countdown has really begun. Next Sunday I will leave from…
Apparently another press release was distributed by the ANP yesterday. All Dutch media blindly adopt these kinds of press releases. You literally read the same message in every (online) newspaper. In the past, a press release was checked before it was published, but it seems there is no time/money for that anymore. The following was reported in the Dutch media yesterday (Saturday, April 2): Death toll from severe weather in Thailand rising The death toll from the floods and mud slides in Thailand …
Musing about Thailand
It will be that time again in about 7 weeks. Then I leave from Düsseldorf to my beloved Thailand. Until then I have to make do with my memories or the imagining of what it will be like this time. The moment I step off the plane in Bangkok, I experience a feeling of coming home. Back in the land that feels so familiar. Nevertheless, you immediately realize that you are in a completely different world…
Photos from the box of Khun Peter
One of the things I like to do in Thailand is photography. So you can really enjoy yourself there. Temples, Buddha statues, cities and children pose willingly in front of my camera.
Thousandth posting on Thailandblog
Thanks to Hans' previous posting, I have the honor of putting exactly the 1.000th posting on Thailandblog. Yet another moment to pause. At the end of the year you usually look back on the past year and you realize how quickly everything passes you by. In addition to looking back, I also look forward. If all goes well, I will leave for Thailand again in early May for a few weeks. …
Just a week and Thai logic
When it comes to Christmas I always get a certain feeling. Not annoying or vague or anything. It must have to do with the changing of the seasons and the impressions Sinterklaas and Christmas made on you as a child. Apparently it's deep in your genes. The month of December was a month that you looked forward to as a child and that was always 'cosy'. A typical Dutch word: 'gezellig'. I once understood that…
The land of the free
By Khun Peter The posts 'The barmaid's fairy tale' and 'Living with prejudices' received many reactions. Thanks for that. However, I do have a few questions after reading all these comments. Isn't the opinion and prejudice we have about Thai fueled by a kind of superiority thinking? In other words, don't we think we are better, more intelligent, more dutiful, etc. than the Thai? Aren't we jealous of the Thai because…
Back from paradise…
Unfortunately it's over again. Yesterday I flew back to Düsseldorf with Air Berlin. Leaving beloved Thailand and my friends there behind. Well, sometimes it's not easy.
Self-criticism from a Thai, a rarity
By Khun Peter Every once in a while you come across something remarkable. Hans had already put it on Twitter, an article in Bangkok Post entitled: “A guide for the perfect Thai idiot”. The columnist, Sawai Boonma, is a Thai himself and held up a mirror to the entire Thai nation. The result: a remarkable article with the necessary self-criticism. And also an analysis that a significant part of the country's political problems…
Tourists and travelers to Thailand in limbo
By Khun Peter You will only have booked one trip to Thailand. Or bought a plane ticket. Suppose you also want to leave tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Is that wise? Can you cancel free of charge? So many questions and so much confusion. Calamity fund, now what? The Calamity Fund is a type of insurance in the event of serious calamities such as riots, wars and natural disasters. In the event of (imminent) serious danger, you can cancel your trip free of charge if your tour operator is affiliated with the …
Topless sunbathing in Thailand
A while ago I read in the Algemeen Dagblad that topless sunbathing is completely out. Only 5% of all women leave the top at home when they go to the beach. Young girls in particular prefer to keep the bikini on. Only ladies over 50 make it no problem. Well, what shall I say to that? Topless sunbathing in Thailand On Koh Samui I only occasionally saw a female tourist without a top. …
Nothing is what it seems
By Khun Peter Don't try to understand Thai culture, because you will never succeed. Nothing is what it seems in Thailand. Always that smile, don't hurt each other, don't lose face. But those rules aren't rules if it doesn't come out right. Do you still get it? No me neither. Don't even try. Just like the politics in Thailand. Roden and Gelen. That's easy you think. Or a battle…
Songkran with a black edge
By Khun Peter 'Suk-San Wan Songkran'. Today in Thailand the national drinking and water spit festival started, or Thai New Year. Songkran was originally meant to honor Buddha and ask for a good rainy season with a bountiful harvest. The Thai house is cleaned and parents and grandparents are thanked and respectfully honored. Things are less respectful on the street. Throwing water and drinking your butt for three days. There will be more in the coming days…
Speak straight what is crooked
The unsalted opinion of Khun Peter In the Telegraaf I read an article by Jos van Noord today. An old Asia correspondent of the same newspaper. Again a wonderful piece of Thailand promotion, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I have nothing against Thailand promotion, in fact the fact that I put many hours into updating this blog says enough. You must be crazy to do that. I sit in the evenings…
Respect, respect and more respect for the reds!
By Khun Peter They were feared, the red army of stupid peasants from Isan. Simple souls who only wanted to protest for money. Suckers who blindly follow the billionaire and professional swindler Thaksin. They would burn down Bangkok. The airport would be occupied, the tourists would flee Thailand screaming. A civil war at least. Dead, wounded and crippled would fall. Chaos, anarchy and unrest in beautiful, peaceful Thailand. And once the reds get to the…