Flooding in Thailand – message from the Dutch embassy
In this article the text of an email sent today by the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. The editors of Thailandblog have posted this message in full.
TAT: Tourists need not worry
The Tourism Authority of Thailand reiterates today that there are no barriers for tourists in Thailand or who want to travel to Thailand. Although the situation in Central, North and Northeast Thailand is serious, there are no problems for tourists. In the south of Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Chang) nothing is wrong and tourists can enjoy a well-deserved holiday. Virtually all major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang…
Thai water problems and Dutch knowledge
The water situation in Thailand has been dire during certain parts of the year for many years. In some cases, this makes it easy to compare with the Dutch conditions. Floods also occurred regularly in the Netherlands in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, caused on the one hand by the sea, but also often locally by the rivers. Usually the dikes then collapsed, resulting in major flooding. The Dutch have learned a lot from that and that …
Police chief fights for his ass
He has been head of the Royal Thai Police for less than a year and is already at risk of having to leave the field. Wichean Potephosree's position has come under fire since MP Chuvit Kamolvisit revealed the existence of an illegal casino in Sutthisan, Bangkok. In addition, Priewpan Damapong, a brother-in-law of former Prime Minister Thaksin, is enthusiastic about the position. It is also significant that Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung is pushing for transfers in the police force, because the police …
Bargain: Number plate for 6,75 million baht
It took five auctions, but lucky number plate Sor Sor Bangkok 9999 finally has an owner. He paid 6,75 million baht (€ 156.000) for it. A bargain, because during the first auction in 2006 someone wanted to pay 8.111.111 baht for it. Only he didn't have the money. The three subsequent auctions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 also failed the highest bidders. Under the auction rules, these bidders are required to pay the difference between their…
To find out how to get a retirement visa in the Netherlands, the Non Immigrant OA visa for people aged 50 and older, Rob van Vroonhoven first went to the Thai embassy in The Hague and then to the consulate in Amsterdam. And guess what? There are absurd differences in the demands they make. The Thai embassy in The Hague gave him a paper with the requirements. This paper is titled: www.imm.police.go.th …
Chiang Mai hotel guests die from insecticide
The deaths of five foreign tourists and a Thai travel guide and three cases of illness at a hotel in Chiang Mai early this year are mostly due to contact with an insecticide. This has emerged from an investigation by the Disease Control Department, which commissioned laboratories in Thailand, Japan, the US and Germany to examine blood and tissue from the victims. One tourist, a 25-year-old Frenchwoman, died of a virus infection. The laboratories…
'Thaksin cannot be punished twice'
The tax authorities do not intend to impose a tax assessment on Thaksin for the sale of his shares in telecom company Shin Corp to Singapore's Temasek Holding in 2006. If the authority did so, Thaksin would be punished twice, because in February last year the Supreme Court ruled 46,37 billion baht of his assets, said Satit Rungkasiri, director general of the Revenue Department. Satit responds to questions from former Prime Minister Abhisit and former Minister of…
Dutch embassy: applying for a retirement visa now easier
Because the changed procedure for obtaining a 'declaration of income' has raised quite a few questions for us (and many readers), we asked the consular department for clarification. According to Jitze Bosma, head of operations and consular affairs, the new approach makes it easier for the Dutch to apply for a retirement visa. Many Dutch people have the impression that the embassy is in direct contact with Dutch government agencies. That is not the case. The embassy checks the…
Residents along the Chao Phraya warned of flooding
Residents in the six central provinces that live along the Chao Phraya River should expect flooding. An enormous amount of water comes from the North; the result of heavy rainfall from tropical storm Nock-ten. The death toll from the storm now stands at 22; 1,1 million people have been affected by the water; 21 provinces have been declared a disaster area and 619.772 rai farmland is under water. Tomorrow will be a sharp rise in the…
Houses for sale in Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful country. Every year many Dutch people visit this special Asian destination. Usually for a holiday, but Thailand is also becoming more and more popular to spend the winter. About 9.000 Dutch people have settled permanently in Thailand. These expats and retirees enjoy all the good things Thailand has to offer. If you also have plans like this and you are looking for a luxury villa, condo or apartment, you will find a select …
Ladies night at Megabreak
In April of this year I wrote an article about pool billiards in Thailand and in particular about the ins and outs in the Megabreak pool hall in Soi Diana (Pattaya). I also told about the different tournaments that we organize there every week. Three general tournaments 9- and 10-ball, in which both regular guests and tourists participate. The participation is international, because the players come from 10 to 15 countries. Then on Tuesday…
Carrefour becomes 'Big C Extra'
For many years I have lived my favorite Pattaya and during that time countless changes have changed the face of Pattaya. A bar complex is being demolished and a new hotel is being built. An apartment building is being built in another open space. A go go's, discos, restaurants change names or disappear. Elsewhere, a new karaoke bar is opened, or yet another 7-Eleven or Family Mart is built. Certain hotels, buildings or shopping centers…
Escape from Bangkok Hilton
Anyone who has been involved with Thailand in one way or another knows that the prisons in Thailand are not the nicest places to stay. Numerous publications, newspaper articles and books have been written about it. Many websites with information about Thailand point out the risks of ending up in a Thai prison. There are hundreds of foreigners in Thai cells, that is, dozens in one room the size of a private garage. Daily …
A chic brothel under the smoke of the palace
Picture this: a beautiful building on a side street of Phetkasem Road in Hua Hin. Ostensibly it is a hotel and it has that license for an estimated 50 rooms. A doorman at the door. On the facade the indication that the customer can enjoy a delicious massage here. Inside an oversized lobby and lots of sitting areas. On one side are some short-skirted ladies in the spotlight; on the other hand on sofas the …
About crazy expats, whore runners and sluts
Do not be alarmed by the above headline because the soup is not eaten as hot as it is served. Just want to attract some attention and use a kind of Telegraaf-like headline for that. As a frequent writer on this blog and no less interested reader, I have recently been finding myself increasingly annoyed by certain reactions and comments. Knowing better, I should let it slide down my cold clothes. But …
Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011
Bargain hunters beware! A huge shopping festival sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) kicks off on June 15. The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2011, which lasts until August 15, aims to boost tourism during the low season. The sale will take place in seven tourist destinations in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. More than 15.000 Thai companies participate in the, now 13th, annual festival. Shopping centres, …