Laab Moo (a spicy minced dish)

By Editorial
Posted in Food and drinks, Thai recipes
12 February 2026

Laab Moo (ลาบ), is a typical dish from Isaan (Northeast of Thailand). It is one of the excellent dishes that you will find on the menus of many Thai restaurants. The Thai word 'laab' means finely chopped.

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Tips for tipping in Thailand

By Editorial
Posted in thai tips
12 February 2026

We Dutch are not known as generous givers, yet tipping is customary and desirable in many countries. But, nothing is as complicated as tipping. After all, it is a voluntary contribution to show your appreciation. How much do you give in Thailand and what is correct?

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Located in the heart of Bangkok, Nana Plaza is today known as one of the most colorful nightlife hotspots in the city. The history of this complex reflects the transformation of Bangkok itself, from humble beginnings to an internationally renowned destination.

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You're stuck between two systems that need each other. You can't activate your ING app because your My ING password isn't accepted, and you can't reset your password because you have to confirm it through the app you can't use. What's the best step to get both systems working again?

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Building a house in Thailand can start at 12.000 baht per square meter, but can easily exceed 45.000. The difference lies in the finishing, foundation, location, and how honest the quote is. In 2025 and 2026, costs will rise primarily due to wage increases and specific materials, not a massive price increase. This is how you create a realistic budget.

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Thailand has over half a million registered stateless people. For them, a passport isn't a travel document, but a ticket to school, healthcare, work, and freedom of movement. The government promises to expedite the process with new regulations and even five-day procedures. But at the local level, it often remains a tough battle with paperwork, evidence, and arbitrariness.

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Thailand wants to make entry easier, but also more trackable within the system. In early February 2026, the government reaffirmed and further developed the extensive visa package. This includes a 60-day visa-free stay for more nationalities, a workcation visa for remote workers, and a digital arrival card that must be completed in advance. This will change how you travel, work, and stay longer.

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If you're flying back from Thailand to the Netherlands or Belgium, your rights in the event of a delay aren't always self-evident. European regulations protect you, but not in every situation. The airline and the route determine whether you're entitled to compensation. This can make a difference of hundreds of euros. Here's what you need to know before booking your ticket.

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Today, policy plans and expectations are central. The cabinet is reviewing visa policy to make tourism and long-term stays more attractive. Anutin Charnvirakul emphasizes that the future government must serve a full term and forge a broad coalition. Tourism centers are preparing for the Chinese New Year, while hotel chains are concerned about ongoing challenges. Various sectors are urging investment and digitalization. Economists and entrepreneurs point to urgent economic measures. An oil incident near Phuket appears manageable. Thailand wants to terminate a long-standing maritime agreement with Cambodia, and an international investigation shows that corruption remains deeply entrenched.

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The past 24 hours were particularly notable for the combination of drug crime, border controls, and incidents in and around residential areas. In addition, there were multiple security alerts involving fires, injuries, and suspected accidents that required rapid escalation. Together, these provide a clear picture of where the pressure is currently highest for police, emergency services, and enforcement agencies.

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How to be smart with Thai holidays and hotel prices

By Editorial
Posted in Hotels
11 February 2026

A hotel room in Thailand can be cheap on Monday and suddenly almost double in price on Friday. This is often due to Thai holidays, extra days off, and long weekends. If you know what to look for, you can avoid these peaks and take advantage of the quieter days of the off-season. Here's how to do it.

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'Front door suffering and Thai macaroni'

By Lieven Cattail
Posted in Reader Submission
11 February 2026

A windy and cold evening in March. I'm just about to start the hot meal, after a long and equally cold day at work, when the doorbell rings. I sigh. Always during dinner. Like they care. Which probably is. Woman Oy opens the front door and immediately sails back into the living room. And says: 'for you'.

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Frans Amsterdam in Pattaya (part 11): 'Exercise'

By Frans Amsterdam
Posted in Column, French Amsterdam
11 February 2026

Frans Amsterdam has settled down again in Pattaya and entertains us, until there are no more 'like' ratings, with his experiences in a follow-up story.
“Does Frans get enough exercise?” one reader wondered. Well, in this story Frans gives an answer to this pressing question.

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A beautiful bird in Thailand is the pagoda starling (Sturnia pagodarum). This is a species of starling in the genus Sturnia, a genus of songbirds in the starling family (Sturnidae). 

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This short story will have been written in the period around 1975 after the military dictatorship came to an end in October 1973 and a democracy was experimented with. The American troops left Thailand after the fall of Saigon in April 1975 when the Thai government, not entirely without resistance, asked the Americans to leave Thailand in May 1975, a process which was completed in 1976. Thailand first established relations with Mao's China at that time. Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj traveled to Beijing for this.

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This time a simple but tasty egg dish: Omelet with Acacia leaves (Kai Jeow Cha Om) or in Thai: ไข่เจียวชะอม

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The Mrigadayavan Palace is located on Bang Kra Beach, between Cha-am and Hua Hin in Phetchaburi Province. The construction of this impressive beachfront palace was completed in 1924. The iconic summer palace was built at the time for King Rama VI who wanted to spend his holiday there.

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Bangkok is more than just skyscrapers and bustling streets. In the winding klongs of Thonburi you will discover a world where life still revolves around the water. Cruise past wooden stilt houses, colorful temples and bustling floating markets. Leave the hustle and bustle behind and experience authentic Bangkok from the water, a timeless journey through the history of the city.

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I would like to ask readers if they know of an address where I can buy a bicycle trainer in Thailand?

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The 2026 Thai elections have dramatically changed the political landscape. Bhumjaithai achieved an unexpectedly large victory, while traditional power blocs lost ground. Nationalism, security, and trust played a greater role than a desire for reform. The outcome speaks volumes about the mood among voters and the direction Thailand is taking for the foreseeable future.

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The day after the Thai elections was filled with political analysis, economic forecasts, and concerns about transparency. Bhumjaithai's victory has inspired confidence in businesses, while the tourism and hospitality sectors are cautious. At the same time, complaints about vote buying and opaque counts call for vigilance. Below are the twelve most important developments in Thailand over the past 24 hours.

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Over the past 24 hours, incidents related to public safety, police investigations, and tensions surrounding the election period have been particularly notable. There's a mix of serious incidents, such as a fatal shooting and a major building collapse, as well as signs of everyday insecurity, such as burglaries and thefts. At the same time, several investigations are still ongoing, making any conclusions drawn today largely provisional.

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