Statement of the week: There is quite a bit of messing around with food in Thailand
Toxic cooking oil, too many pesticides on fruit and vegetables, chemical agents to make watermelons turn a beautiful red. These are just a few examples of what is wrong with food safety in Thailand. Discuss the statement of the week.
There is no city in Thailand as controversial as this former fishing village. Everyone has an opinion about Pattaya, which ranges from great to terrible. But if you have never been there, can you have an opinion about Pattaya? Discuss the statement of the week.
Sometimes you get the impression that all Thais are one pot wet. Of course that is not the case, but why do you hear that so often? Tino Kuis takes a stand.
Statement of the week: The Thai language is not pleasing to the ear
The statement of the week is about the Thai language. Tastes can differ but I think it's terrible. Not to hear. The Thai language and especially the Isan dialect sounds to me like a squeaky door or nails on a blackboard. Just ugly. Do you agree or do you think differently? Then respond.
Statement of the week: Most Thai have little interest in the collective or general interest
The laconic attitude of most Thai people about the national or collective interest speaks volumes. Is this a sign of insufficient knowledge, of resignation, of apathy, of a correct Buddhist attitude or of the realization that no one in Thailand really cares about the future of all Thai people? Discuss the statement of the week.
Statement of the week: Thais are like little children
Occasionally the expression 'Thai are like (small) children' pops up in comments on Thailand blog. Reason to present it here in the form of a – yes, we know – provocative proposition and to ask you: Are Thais just like little children? Or do you not think so at all?
Thailand does not have the best reputation when it comes to food hygiene. According to a 2011 British study, Thailand is one of the top three countries when it comes to the risk of contracting gastrointestinal problems. The result is often that you have to stay near the toilet for a day.
Statement: 'Thai society is changing much faster and more fundamentally than we think'
'Thai society is changing rapidly and fundamentally' is this week's statement. Especially in the countryside and in the villages, the inhabitants are becoming more assertive. Is this development mainly positive or perhaps also negative? Respond to the statement.
Statement of the week: Tourists should avoid attractions with animals
Tourists should avoid attractions with animals. If you agree, climb into the pen and tell why you think so. Or do you say: we as tourists have nothing to do with that. As long as Thais offer those attractions, we will use them. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of the country. Respond to the statement of the week!
Statement: The larger Thai state hospitals are no worse than Thai private hospitals
Thailand has more than 1000 state hospitals and more than 300 private hospitals. But do you have to go to a private hospital as a tourist/expat/pensionado? No, the larger Thai state hospitals are no worse than private hospitals. But different. Read more and respond to the statement.
Statement of the week: A Thai partner is no better or worse than a partner from their own country
This week a submitted statement by Chris de Boer. He states that Thai partners are not by definition better or worse than Dutch/Belgian partners.
Statement of the week: 'Foreigners must accept Thailand as it is'
This week a statement from Gringo. He gets tired of people criticizing Thailand, because whatever criticism - negative or constructive - you have, nothing will happen. There is no Thai who listens to you, let alone that something happens with your criticism.
Are you also getting tired of that comment from expats and immigrants: 'We shouldn't interfere in anything here because we are guests in Thailand'?
In my opinion it is a misconception that Thais only live by the day and don't look ahead. Most Thai women are indeed concerned with securing their future and sometimes also the family, in short: building up a pension.
If I were a woman, I would think twice before going to Thailand with my husband or partner for a winter stay or holiday. Respond to the statement of the week.
Statement of the week: Tourists and expats should not travel through Thailand by night bus
Are you also shocked by the umpteenth bus accident in Thailand? Or do you think it's okay? Respond to the statement of the week: Tourists and expats should not travel through Thailand by night bus.
Statement of the week: 'Thai shouldn't be so prudish.'
Is the prudishness of many Thais still relevant today? Should tourists adapt to Thai or vice versa? That is what the statement of the week is about.