Today there would finally be clarity regarding the investigation into alleged abuses at the Embassy in Bangkok. De Telegraaf had the scoop and was able to tell that everything was wrong. They were also proud to mention that thanks to the whistleblower who called in the Telegraaf, everything had gained momentum and this led to an investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Given the newsworthiness of these 'facts', I have believed this…
Dutch Ambassador in Bangkok resigns
Today it was announced that the Dutch Ambassador in Bangkok, Mr. Tjaco van den Hout, is stepping down because of the abuses at the embassy. According to De Telegraaf, his departure is not voluntary, but the ambassador, who still had two years ahead of him, has to leave because the integrity of a number of employees would be compromised. Abuse function Not only Van den Hout is the cigar. A consular employee also gets another job …
The Netherlands opens consulates in Chiang Mai and Phuket
The Netherlands opened consulates in Chiang Mai and Phuket on 22 October 2010. If you live in the north of Thailand, you can also contact the Honorary Consulate in Chiang Mai. The jurisdiction of the honorary consul in Chiang Mai covers the provinces: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Prae, Phayao, Nan, Chiang Rai and Uttaradit. If you live in the south of Thailand, you can also contact …
Is Bangkok safe?
With the images of violence in central Bangkok fresh in the mind, tourists often wonder if it is safe in Bangkok? What is the best travel advice? This question is of course justified, considering that the state of emergency still applies and bombs go off with some regularity in the center of Bangkok. In recent weeks, 1 has been killed and 13 injured in various bomb attacks. The well-known blogger Richard …
New chapter on the Dutch embassy in Bangkok (to be continued)
A lot of water will still flow through the Chao Phraya before it becomes clear what is happening within the walls of the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. In any case, the fact is that many people, especially in De Telegraaf, react based on their own frustration and often without any knowledge of the matter. Dutchman Colin de Jong delivers half a page of Dutch-tinted news every week in the weekly magazine Pattaya People. We want to be you most…
The Telegraph court
By Khun Peter An article in the Telegraaf about the dysfunction of you or your organization and you are guilty. An investigation is no longer necessary. The judges, the readership of De Telegraaf, have already condemned you because everything with authority is wrong by definition. A typical Dutch trait. Recognizable? Read the reactions to the posts about the investigation into alleged abuses at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. Can we give someone else the benefit of…
Announcement from the Dutch ambassador
The Dutch ambassador to Thailand (and Burma, Cambodia and Laos) responded in the foreword to the latest newsletter to the allegations against him and that of the embassy. “Perhaps you have read through De Telegraaf or other media of statements made by a local employee with a temporary contract at our embassy. On Friday 18 June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a report from him by e-mail of alleged abuses at the embassy. …
The good sides of the Dutch embassy in Bangkok
There is a lot to do about the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will investigate abuses such as corruption and abuse of power. There would have been tampering with passport applications, naturalizations and a Thai accountant employed by the Embassy has pushed back a lot of money. Expenses that are on the edge and an ambassador who doesn't take things too seriously with extravagant escapades and associated costs. Whether the claims are true…
Is Bangkok safe for tourists?
By Khun Peter Many tourists are still looking for information about the current situation in Bangkok. I see that in the search traffic to the blog and on the blog. This question pops up regularly on bulletin boards and forums. Travel to Thailand The TV images of the riots in Bangkok have done what you can expect. The fear is good for many tourists. From the poll…
The Dutch embassy in Thailand is organizing a memorial day in Kanchanaburi on Sunday 15 August 2010. It is that day 65 years ago that Japan capitulated and World War II officially ended. The program is still being worked on but will include: 07.30 Gathering at the embassy 08.00 Departure by bus to Kanchanaburi 10.15 Arrival Kanchanaburi nnb Ceremony field of honor Kanchanaburi 18.00 Departure Bangkok 20.30 Arrival Bangkok The costs are THB 500 per person, …
Bangkok turns Orange
The Dutch embassy and the Dutch Association of Thailand are jointly organizing a spectacular Orange party around the final match between the Netherlands and Spain on Sunday evening. Dutch Football World Champion The Dutch in Thailand can see the Dutch become World Football Champion (I'm an optimist), in the garden of the Dutch Embassy. The famous Orange Parrot moves to the garden of the Embassy for this occasion. The Netherlands – Spain match can be followed live there. Every Dutchman in Thailand is…
In the garden of Her Majesty's Embassy
by Hans Bos In the garden of the Dutch embassy on Wireless Road in Bangkok, the monthly drinks of the Dutch Association Thailand (NVT) took place on Thursday evening 3 June. The group, usually compatriots living in Thailand, was supplemented by many Dutch expats, who at the end of April saw the reception on the occasion of Queen's Day pass by due to the tense situation in Bangkok. Many compatriots like to show themselves there, not only for old friends …
Dutch embassy in Bangkok open on Monday
Source: NL Embassy website In view of the improved security situation around the embassy, the Dutch embassy will be open to the public again on Monday 24 May. In the unlikely event that the security situation deteriorates and the embassy cannot be reached, this will be reported via the embassy's website. Please note that there may still be roadblocks or other obstructions in the road network around the embassy. People who had booked an appointment on Monday …
Prime Minister Abhisit wants reconciliation
In a speech on Thai TV, Abhisit said today that he wants to restore peace and order quickly. Investigation into unrest in Bangkok He promised an independent investigation into the unrest in Bangkok. This research will be part of a five-point plan (roadmap) that also included early elections. This offer was withdrawn at an earlier stage by the Prime Minister because the Redshirts refused to clear the protest sites. It is unclear …
Security situation and travel advice Thailand
An update of the security situation on May 21, 2010 On Wednesday, May 19, the army intervened and the protest locations of the red shirts in Bangkok were evacuated. This was accompanied by a lot of violence, resulting in many deaths and injuries, including foreign journalists. In response to the eviction, the Redshirts set fires in central Bangkok. A number of department stores, including Central World, have burned down. Also in the North and Northeast of…
Confusing and erroneous reporting about Bangkok
By Khun Peter This is now part three in the series of posts about confusing and bad reporting about the situation in Bangkok. There are many people who closely follow the news from Thailand. Everyone has their own reasons for that. One group in particular, those are the tourists who doubt whether or not it is safe in Thailand. It surprises me that there are still the most…
Uncertainty about travel advice Bangkok
By Khun Peter Contrary to what all Dutch media report, the travel advice from BuZa has not been tightened. Only the text on the website has been changed. A level 4 travel warning has been in effect since April, which means non-essential travel to certain areas is discouraged. The explanation on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states which areas in Bangkok are involved: Violent confrontations take place in various locations (Rama …