This true story serves as a warning to anyone seeking refuge in the apparent safety of lockers while vacationing abroad, in this case Jomtien, Thailand. Despite the routine of two vacations a year and confidence in the safety of personal belongings in a condo safe, the narrator was confronted with unexpected thefts.
Transfer from Bangkok to Udon Thani no problem with extra luggage (reader's submission)
I returned from the Netherlands this week with EVA air. As everyone knows by now, you are allowed to take 2 suitcases of 23 kilos with you. After arriving in Bangkok I always have a connecting flight to Udon Thani.
When Fred and his wife decided to build a swimming pool at their new home near Maha Sarakham, they had no idea that the project would turn into a frustrating experience. Despite the promised benefits of a 'good deal', they were faced with a range of problems, from poor build quality to a complete lack of service and warranty compliance.
On a Fish Hunt (Reader Submission)
Last week my wife and I immersed ourselves in Kanchanaburi's rich military history for the third time. Our journey by motorbike, a pleasant journey of about 200 kilometers, led us through the flat landscape with its quiet roads, straight to an unforgettable experience full of surprises and discoveries.
Apply for an update of a new Dutch passport (reader submission)
More than a week ago I asked a question about my annual extension in June with a new passport. In particular whether I had to go to immigration separately to have the visa and validity stamp transferred.
My KLM return flight BKK-AMS was canceled and I was given a place on the same KLM flight a day later in the same class and even the same seat. That was neatly arranged. I received the message 12 days before the day of the canceled flight. About 10 years ago I had a disagreement with KLM about a delay. They didn't want to give me €600, even though I was clearly entitled to it and I had to...
'No more KLM for me!' (reader submission)
I had booked a flight with KLM. To my regret I received a message that my flight to Amsterdam had been cancelled. They suggested an alternative flight via Paris, but that was not an option for me, as I am disabled and use a wheelchair, which can only be transported in a special container in the hold.
Last month I posted this message: “I am currently in Bangkok, for the first time with KLM. A few days ago I received the message that my return flight on 16/1 has been cancelled. I now see that this is also the case for the flight on 13/1. Anyone have any idea what's going on? Operational problems were given as the reason.
An airplane bomb and statistics
A while ago I flew from Amsterdam to Bangkok. And for the umpteenth time I was amazed at the tension of the security staff at Schiphol. Not a good environment to accidentally drop the word 'bomb' and certainly not for fun.
KLM Business Class and no lounge access (reader submission)
I recently flew to Bangkok with KLM Business Class, but discovered a surprising limitation. Not every Business Class ticket offers lounge access, as I learned when my 'Business Class Light' ticket denied me access to the KLM lounge. Despite the small print on my boarding pass printed at home, I was surprised at the lounge entrance. While this wasn't a big deal for me, it's an important nuance for future travelers: a premium ticket doesn't always guarantee premium benefits.
Isan women, the raw reality (final)
We continue with more examples of Isan women. The sixth example is the eldest daughter of my eldest brother-in-law. She is 53 years old, married, has two lovely daughters and lives in the city of Ubon.
Frustrations with Air Asia: Unexpected Costs and Inconveniences (Reader Submission)
We recently experienced the challenges of flying with Air Asia again. From unreserved seats that placed us far apart to unexpected charges for an abandoned suitcase, our experiences highlight the airline's devious practices and monopolistic behavior that can significantly impact the travel experience for passengers.
Isan women, the raw reality (part 2)
In part 2 we continue with the 26-year-old beauty who works in a jewelry store. As already mentioned in part 1, it concerns a farmer's daughter, but a farmer's daughter who has successfully completed a university study (ICT).
Taxi Turbulence in Thailand (Reader Submission)
Arrived back in Thailand last Tuesday. What was striking was the very quick handling of passport control, baggage claim and customs. I think this may have something to do with the visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand the day before.
Isan women, the raw reality (part 1)
Some readers of this blog think that Isaan and its inhabitants are romanticized too much. I like that romance myself, but this time the raw reality. I will, however, limit myself to those Isan women who have no contact with farangs, except for the writer of course. Not because I want to oppose those women who do have contacts, but because I know too little about that group of women. I leave it to the reader to judge whether or not there are differences between the two groups, if that distinction is allowed to be made. Today part 1.
Tax (Withholding TAX) on interest on savings deposits at a Thai bank (reader's submission)
Since I am only 52 and do not yet receive a pension, I live off my savings in Thailand. Now I noticed that 15% tax was withheld from the interest I received and I started looking further.
Six years after a large-scale bathroom renovation, we were confronted with a continuously flushing toilet bowl in the middle of the night, a situation that forced us to take unexpected measures. The search for a solution led us from the decision to purchase a brand new toilet bowl with vortex flush - a wish of my partner since the renovation - to a surprising piece of advice that completely changed our plans. This story takes an unexpected turn when a helpful service salesperson offered us a much more cost-effective solution, which not only averted a crisis but also resulted in significant savings