A second short story series by Hans Introduction: Seven Days in Paradise is a raw yet atmospheric narrative that sweeps the reader along to the sultry Thailand of the late 1960s. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, where the sky above Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base is constantly torn apart by the roaring afterburners of F-4C Phantoms, American soldiers seek refuge in the neon-lit streets of 'The Strip'. It is a world of sharp contrasts: the …

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Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens fully soon, airfare will likely remain more expensive for the time being. The international aviation sector expects disruptions to fuel supply to be felt for months to come. The high price of kerosene, in particular, is putting pressure on airlines and impacting traveler fares, including on routes to and from Thailand.

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Living in Uttaradit

By william-korat
Posted in Expats and retirees, To rent a house, Cost of living
April 9, 2026

William provides an overview of living in Uttaradit, Thailand. Uttaradit is an authentic and affordable place in the north, ideal for a quiet Thai life.

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During the Songkran holiday from April 10 to 19, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok expects approximately 1,82 million passengers. That is slightly fewer than last year. Notably, the number of flights is actually increasing during the same period. The airport is therefore deploying extra capacity, technology, and transport to keep the crowds manageable.

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A police officer in Ubon Ratchathani is facing disciplinary and criminal action after multiple citizens reported that he solicited money for police work. According to initial findings, this does not involve a single incident, but rather a pattern. The case touches upon a sensitive issue in Thailand, where trust in the police is of great importance to many citizens.

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The Thai Ombudsman wants to take faster action against producers of counterfeit coconut water in Samut Songkhram. This follows raids on two companies suspected of adulteration. According to the Ombudsman, enforcement is falling short, posing risks to public health, consumer confidence, and the income of coconut farmers who have been struggling with low prices for months.

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Thailand still has oil reserves for 109 days, while new tensions in the Middle East are once again putting pressure on the energy market. The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that diesel production currently remains well above domestic demand. At the same time, the hidden costs of oil imports are rising, further increasing the financial pressure on the country.

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Songkran in and around Bangkok in 2026 has more to offer than just water fights. Those who plan smartly can start the same day with a temple visit, then take in art and culture in the city center, and later travel on to Samut Prakan, where the celebration continues into late April in a very different atmosphere.

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Two foreign men were found dead on April 7 in a hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok. Police are considering a drug overdose after white powder was found in the room. The case is under further investigation. The substance is being sent to the lab, and an autopsy will also clarify exactly what happened.

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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presented his new government's policy statement to the Thai parliament. He promised greater economic strength, a stricter approach to crime, and reforms in governance, healthcare, and education. According to the Prime Minister, Thailand must emerge stronger from the current uncertainty, with more opportunities for citizens, businesses, and vulnerable groups.

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Anurak Lodge, on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand, shows in its 2025 impact report how tourism can also give back to nature and the environment. Last year, the eco-lodge worked on forest restoration, waste reduction, local employment, and fresh food from its own garden. In doing so, the company aims to go beyond mere sustainable business practices.

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The red-rumped falcon (Microhierax caerulescens) is a bird of the genus of dwarf falcons with a length of 15 to 18 cm. In Thai: เหยี่ยวแมลงปอขาแดง, yiew malaeng po khaa daeng.

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You experience everything in Thailand (25)

By Editorial
Posted in Living in Thailand
April 9, 2026

Today a story from blog reader Adri about his English lessons to Thai children, good for a smile.

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 'Chinese tourists flood Thailand', you occasionally read in the press. But that's nothing new, it's been happening for two centuries. It is well known that the Chinese have played a major role in the development of Thailand in many areas. This community is inextricably linked to the modernization and development of Thailand, but that did not go without a struggle.

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Ronny LatYa shares information on requesting your Thai entry and exit records, now that you no longer receive a 'Departure stamp'. He describes the procedure via the “Application for travel record” form, the submission requirements, and the locations for the application.

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Khao Yum (rice salad) with recipe

By Editorial
Posted in Food and drinks, Thai recipes
April 9, 2026

Khao Yum is a rice dish from the south of Thailand. The dish is flavored with roasted coconut, fragrant herbs and fish paste. The special thing about this dish is that it is usually served unmixed, with the herbs, vegetables and fish surrounding the rice. It is healthy and easy to digest, highly recommended if you want to consume few calories.

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7 special facts about Bangkok

By Editorial
Posted in Bangkok, Sights, Cities, thai tips
April 9, 2026

Bangkok is a city that truly lives and breathes, and it's hard not to get excited when you're there. It is a place where the past and the present coexist. You can walk through ancient temples, surrounded by the noise and energy of a modern metropolis. It's like traveling through time just walking through the streets.

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At Thai airports, duty-free shops seem like a bargain-hunter’s paradise. But appearances can be deceiving: many products here are actually more expensive than in regular stores. How can duty-free be so expensive? Discover the hidden costs, the powerful monopoly and the clever marketing that are misleading travellers.

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Ruud B reports that on Tuesday, April 7, the Council of State officially issued its advice regarding the new tax treaty between the Netherlands and Thailand. The government's highest advisor sees no legal obstacles and recommends forwarding the treaty unchanged to the House of Representatives and the Senate. For the Dutch community in Thailand, this is a crucial signal: the formal legal path is clear; the political battle begins now.

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Peter shares frustration regarding the annual renewal of his residence permit in Thailand. He is married to a Thai woman, but despite 23 years of marriage, he still feels like merely a guest.

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If you are a Dutch national living in Thailand with a Thai partner, you know how complicated the path to a partner visa can be. The civic integration exam is a serious hurdle in this process. My wife was eager to start learning Dutch, but we soon made a disappointing discovery: there is no online course material specifically tailored to Thai speakers. Existing teaching materials generally assume that you already speak a European language, or offer hardly any structure…

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Foreign nationals who own a house or land in Thailand through a company using Thai straw men will face stricter scrutiny. The government is increasing the pressure with a broad campaign involving collaboration between multiple agencies and the deployment of AI. As a result, the risk increases for anyone relying on a sham arrangement outside the Condominium Act.

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