The escalation in the Middle East and the physical blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have plunged Thailand into an acute energy crisis. For the Dutch pensioner in Thailand, the situation has changed drastically since March 25, 2026. An updated analysis based on the latest reports from various online media in Thailand.
Jurgen emailed Thailandblog about the exorbitant prices airlines are charging for European flights. After cancelled flights, he had to buy a new ticket with Thai Airways for April 1st, which he finds very expensive.
Arthit had said that he understood. He really had said that, on the phone, on that Tuesday afternoon on the sidewalk behind the bar with my glass of iced tea. After a few days of silence, he had called back and said that he was staying, that he understood, that it was okay. I had believed him because I wanted to believe him and because the way he said it sounded like someone who had considered something and a …
William shares information about living in Narathiwat (Southern Thailand), a region with low costs and a unique culture. He warns of the simmering conflict, the military presence, and the negative travel advisory for this province.
Thailand had 65.809.011 registered inhabitants at the end of 2025. That is 142.199 fewer than a year earlier. Bangkok remains by far the largest province, while the northeast in particular is heavily represented in the top 10. The new figures show that the demographic decline continues.
Thailand records thousands of suicide deaths and tens of thousands of attempts annually. Official figures and recent studies show that men, young people, and residents of some northern provinces are particularly vulnerable. Behind these figures often lie debt, relationship problems, mental health issues, alcohol abuse, and a lack of prompt, accessible help.
Anyone driving through Bangkok, Pattaya, or Chiang Mai sees new SUVs, pickups, and luxury sedans everywhere. This street scene creates an impression of prosperity, but behind many cars lies a loan. Car loans in Thailand are enormous, while a car is simultaneously a means of transport, a status symbol, and a social lifeline. It is precisely this mix that pushes many families into financial distress.
For foreigners who have been living in Thailand for a longer time, the future is becoming increasingly uncertain. Visa routes are narrowing, rules are becoming stricter, and rejections sometimes come without explanation. The story of a Chinese expat in Pattaya shows how difficult it has become to remain legally and stably in Thailand, even for those who follow the rules.
According to historian Sujit Wongthes, ancient peoples in China never called themselves Thai. In an essay, he argues that Thai identity did not originate in China, but in the Chao Phraya basin. In doing so, he challenges a persistent origin theory that was passed down in Thailand for a long time.
The tourism sector in Thailand is feeling the pressure of rising energy prices just before Songkran. In Phuket, Pattaya, and Ayutthaya, costs for hotels, transport, and excursions are increasing, while the number of bookings is actually declining. Entrepreneurs warn that without swift government support, the higher bills will fall directly on travelers and local businesses will face further difficulties.
Anyone looking for truly good Thai food in the Netherlands or Belgium will quickly find themselves drawn to a small group of restaurants that excel in taste, authenticity, and acclaim. Based on guides, public reviews, and current address verification, here is a practical top 10 for the Netherlands and a top 10 for Belgium.
Peter is asking about the extension of his 90-day Non-Immigrant O pension-based visa at Immigration Ubon.
The bronze drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) is a passerine bird in the drongo family of the genus Dicrurus. Aeneus means in Latin: made of bronze.
Today a nice story from blog reader Rob van Iren about a sweet young lady from Cambodia. The old-fashioned beautiful word "bakvis", (who still uses that?) comes from the writer himself.
This is one of the thirteen stories from the collection 'Khropkhrua Klaang Thanon', 'The family in the middle of the road' (1992, last year the 20th edition was published). It was written by Sila Khomchai, the pen name of Winai Boonchuay. The collection describes the life of the new middle class in Bangkok, their challenges and desires, their disappointments and dreams, their strengths and weaknesses, their selfishness and goodness.
Kaeng Khanun is a light curry soup and has some similarities with the famous Tom Yum soup. Just like the Tom Yum, Kaeng Khanun is also a spicy, sour soup, but with the fruity taste of a young unripe jackfruit and cherry tomatoes.
Koh Tao is the place for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. There are many PADI diving schools located on Turtle Island, so you can also get acquainted with diving.
Thailand is popular for a reason: the country offers a unique mix of beautiful temples, breathtaking nature and world-class street food. But what do you really need to know before you go? Discover the best time to travel, essential tips on culture and safety and how you can travel sustainably and responsibly. With this practical guide, you will be well prepared for Thailand!
In Southeast Asia, concerns are growing about a potential kerosene shortage due to the energy crisis that emerged following the war in the Middle East. Thailand currently still has sufficient stock, but rising prices, disrupted supply, and unrest in neighboring countries are putting increasing pressure on the aviation industry and travelers.
From Bangkok to Brussels, Thai food remains a crowd favorite. This is not only due to curries and noodle dishes, but above all to the unique combination of aroma, freshness, spiciness, and balance. Thai cuisine immediately tantalizes, never feels boring, and precisely for that reason has managed to attract a broad audience outside of Thailand for years.
The Thai government is introducing temporary fuel subsidies for trucks, buses, vans, and app taxis starting April 1. The measure is intended to curb rising logistics costs, keep transport rates stable, and prevent higher diesel prices from quickly filtering through to retail prices and travel costs, especially in the run-up to Songkran.
