'Dutch pension system second best in the world'
Our country still has the second best pension system in the world. On a leading list by consultancy firm Mercer, the Dutch pension system again came in second place this year, only Denmark scores better.
ANVR: No more 'surprises' when renting a car abroad
ANVR, in collaboration with several car rental companies, has realized a crucial improvement for consumers in the rental of cars at the holiday destination. From now on, travelers can rent a car at the holiday address under consumer-friendly ANVR travel conditions.
'Flying from the Netherlands more expensive from 2021'
If it is up to the new government, airline tickets will become more expensive from 2021. The new coalition agreement states that there will be an additional levy on airline tickets if aircraft do not become less harmful to the environment. The flight tax makes flights to Thailand 40 euros more expensive per ticket.
The Netherlands and the Royal Cremation Ceremony
Her Majesty Queen Máxima will attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday 26 October 2017.
The Netherlands has risen one place in the ranking of the richest countries in the world and is now number eight in the world. Belgians are even richer and are in sixth place. Thailand ranks 53th out of 44 countries, according to Allianz's eighth Global Wealth Report.
Since 2013, the financial situation of the Dutch has generally improved. More than half of the Dutch (57%) rate their financial situation as good to very good. 53% now make ends meet (very) easily, compared to 47% in 2015 and 41% of people in 2013.
Interpol intercepts 43 million worth of illegal drugs
At least 25 million medicines have been intercepted in an annual international action against the illegal trade. In the Netherlands, customs found 315 packages.
More Dutch people in need during summer holidays
The Eurocross Assistance emergency center has taken stock of the number of requests for help they received from Dutch people during their summer holidays. She received 54.024 calls from holidaymakers in need this summer.
Foreign tourists are also important for the Dutch economy
Tourism in Thailand has long been the cork on which the economy floats. The Dutch contribute to this because Thailand is a popular holiday destination for us. It is striking that the Netherlands itself is increasingly benefiting from foreign tourists visiting our country. In 2016, the tourism sector in the Netherlands generated an added value of 24,8 billion euros. In 2010, this was more than 17,3 percent lower at 43 billion euros. The tourism sector has grown faster than the economy in recent years.
Belgian couple robbed by Thai police
A young Belgian couple (both 28 years old) from Hove have had an unpleasant experience during their trip through Thailand. They were taken by 'police officers' on the penultimate day of the holiday and they only wanted to release the couple after they paid 40.000 baht.
More than one in ten Dutch people do not speak a second language, another quarter speak only two languages. Because Dutch people also visit countries where neither English nor Dutch is spoken, translation problems arise. The Rotterdam startup Travis wants to solve this by making their 'Travis the Interpreter' available now. The translation device understands, translates and speaks the 80 most spoken languages through artificial intelligence.
Insurers tracked down no less than 10.001 fraudsters last year, about 20 percent more than in 2015, when just over 8.000 insurance fraudsters were caught. The detected cases involved a total amount of more than 83 million euros. Twice as many cases of travel insurance fraud were detected in the first half of this year as in the same period last year. People between the ages of 25 and 35 in particular invent theft of belongings during the holidays.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs adjusted the travel advice for Thailand: Be respectful during the period of cremation ceremonies for the deceased king from October 25 to 29, 2017. Do not travel to the 4 southern provinces of Thailand: Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla.
Discarded circus elephants via Anna Paulowna to Thailand
The Hoenderdaell estate in Anna Paulowna wants to take in 200 to 300 elephants, mainly discarded circus elephants. Next October they want to start building the largest elephant sanctuary in Europe.
Dutch/Thai couple murdered in Amsterdam
On Monday afternoon, the lifeless bodies of Pieter Hoovers (54) and his Thai wife Tae (33) who live in Jomtien were found in a building on Ceintuurbaan in Amsterdam. The police assume a crime.
According to the Eurocross emergency center, Dutch tourists abroad are more likely to have serious accidents with rented scooters.
You can now also receive mail from the IND digitally
As of 10 July, the IND will also send its mail digitally, via the MijnOverheid Message Box. As a customer you will receive an e-mail as soon as mail is ready for you in this digital mailbox.