The Thai gossip paradise for Dutch and Belgian expats
On the terraces of Pattaya you often see them sitting: the Dutch and Belgian expats who spend their retirement in the tropics. What once started as a dream of freedom and adventure, has now degenerated into a daily ritual of drinking and gossip. With sharp tongues and endless stories, every rumor is magnified and discussed, as if it were art.
Contact sought with Dutch and/or Belgians in KhonKaen
For 2 years now I have been living with my young family in Thailand, KhonKaen province, on the edge of a village. I speak the language here myself, but I am starting to long more and more to be able to talk to Dutch or Belgians again.
Flemish and Dutch catering industry (restaurants and bars) in Pattaya, Jomtien and Naklua
In Naklua, Jomtien and Pattaya you will find a surprising mix of Dutch and Flemish restaurants, perfect for expats and tourists looking for a piece of home in tropical Thailand. From cozy pubs with bitterballen and Heineken to Belgian beers and Flemish fries, these places offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy European comfort, with the warm beaches of Pattaya in the background.
A few weeks ago I posted a short (hopefully comical) video about two grumpy and nagging Flemish Expats in Thailand. In a second video, both men go to Bang Saray because one of them wants to go fishing at all costs.
As a Flemish expat (from Antwerp), I decided last year to make a series of short comic videos with a comrade about what can happen to expats in Thailand.
New Revenue Department Interpretation on the Taxation of Foreign Income (Reader Submission)
I have previously written to the blog regarding the declaration to the Thai tax authorities of any taxable income transferred by Belgians to Thailand in 2024. To date, there has been a lack of clarity in this regard due to the lack of precise guidelines from the Thai Revenue Department. Today, March 19, 2024, I received a newsletter from the Embassy of Belgium in Bangkok.
In December 2023, I discussed the confusion surrounding new Thai tax rules for Belgian retirees on this blog. According to a newsletter from the Belgian embassy, those who stay in Thailand for more than 180 days, and are therefore considered tax residents, must declare their foreign income in Thailand. This may lead to additional taxes if the taxes already paid in Belgium are not sufficient. There is uncertainty and a lack of clarity on this issue, causing concern among long-term residents.
What I have with Belgians...
Peter has a thing for Belgians, in this article he writes what exactly that is. And he makes a surprising revelation at the end.
Bank account in Belgium if you have been officially deregistered?
More and more Belgians are being “thanked” by their Belgian bank and therefore lose their account. To prepare for this situation, I tried to open a new account at various Belgian banks. I have not been successful in this at any bank. In my humble opinion, I believe that every Belgian is entitled to minimum banking services.
Belgians living in Thailand – Tax on foreign income in Thailand (reader submission)
With the newsletter of October 31, 2023, the Belgian embassy in Bangkok informed Belgians living here that they were aware of the Thai government's announcement that they want to tax all income from abroad from 2024. It was stated that the impact of the new measures is currently being discussed with various experts. We would be kept informed of the outcome of those discussions.
How do Thais differ essentially from Belgians or Dutch?
The world is a beautiful palette of diverse cultures, each with unique characteristics and values. This diversity, evident in countries such as Thailand, Belgium and the Netherlands, is a result of their unique historical paths, geographical conditions and social structures. These factors together shape each culture's unique identity and influence how people think, act and interact with each other.
This week I received a letter from BNP (Fortis). Not to warn me that they would close my bank accounts in Belgium. It was stated in detail that the bank is obliged by the Belgian legislator to disclose certain information about each account holder.
Where are there more Dutch or Flemish bars in Pattaya?
Last week I read in the Thailand blog about the Dutch Rinus' pub in Jomtien. I also know about the existence of Tulip house in Jomtien from a Dutchman. But surely there are more bars owned by Dutch or Belgians in Pattaya-Jomtien-Naklua?
How can I watch Belgian or Dutch TV in Thailand?
For Dutch and Belgians in Thailand, the combination of digital TV, streaming services and IPTV offers a window home. This guide explains how to use these technologies to access your favorite Dutch and Belgian programs from Thailand. Whether it concerns live television, on-demand series or specific channels, here you will find out how to watch them.
Mysterious death of Belgian couple in Phuket
In a shocking discovery, two Belgian seniors were found dead in their home in Phuket. Mr Florent, 84, and his 83-year-old wife Ms Maria, who had lived in the house for just five months, appeared to have died under suspicious circumstances. A handwritten letter and other clues have led to several theories surrounding their tragic deaths as the investigation continues.
Information letter to Belgians 23 09 2023: Tax on Web
I hereby report that the 2022 income declaration is online at www.myminfin.be. This for the income year 2022, tax year 2023. This for Belgian taxpayers not living in Belgium.
Should a retired Belgian apply for a TIN number?
I am 79 years old and am staying in Thailand with a Non Immigrant O visa. In addition, I have 800.000 Baht blocked for a whole year at the Siam Commercial Bank. My only source of income is a Belgian pension. I regularly transfer amounts to Thailand to provide for myself and my Thai-Belgian wife.
Belgium elections 2024: to supplement and clarify
In Belgium, 2024 will be all about an election marathon. Not only are there federal, Flemish and European elections, but provincial and municipal elections are also on the agenda. With different rules for each voting round and new developments, such as voting rights for 16 & 17 year olds in European elections, it is a complex but crucial year for Belgian democracy. The debate about compulsory voting versus voting rights is more relevant than ever, especially at a time when democratic values are under pressure.
Belgian election 2024 mandatory for Belgians in Thailand?
The answer to the question in the title is well known: “Yes, there is compulsory voting in Belgium for every adult”. However, I ask the question in response to a letter that I received in the mail this week. The Belgian government asks me in their letter how I want to cast my vote?
The holidays have started and we can now really start dreaming about our travels. Do you want to know where you can meet Belgians abroad this summer? Google Flights shows which places our southern neighbors search for most. And guess what? They all really want to go to Indonesia or Thailand. Last year, in 2022, Belgians mainly went to places close by due to the pandemic. Popular places were Istanbul in Turkey, and Malaga and Barcelona in …
Emigrate to Thailand?
Immigrate to Thailand? For many people it remains a dream, but many dare to take the step. The final decision is not an easy one, writes Gringo. He emigrated a few years ago and has not regretted it for a day.
Agenda: Seventh Flemish musical garden party with Lia Linda & Lou Deprijck in Pattaya on January 27
Our Belgian friends are organizing a great party in Pattaya, at the Tree House Garden in Huay Yai, on Friday 27 January: the Seventh Flemish musical garden party with Lia Linda & Lou Deprijck.