The history of Thai cuisine
Until 1939, the country we now call Thailand was known as Siam. It was the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonized by a Western country, which allowed it to cultivate its eating habits with its own special dishes. But that does not mean that Thailand was not influenced by its Asian neighbors.
Talat Noi, the hidden gem of Bangkok
Discover Talat Noi, a vibrant neighborhood full of historical charm and cultural richness in the heart of Bangkok. This community welcomes visitors with its unique combination of traditional workshops, culinary delights, and notable historical sites such as the So Heng Tai Mansion. Meet the people who keep Talat Noi's cultural heritage alive and discover the uniqueness of this fascinating neighborhood for yourself.
The bustling heart of Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowarat has been attracting visitors for generations with its rich history and vibrant energy. From the historic gold shops to the modern street food stalls, Yaowarat offers a unique mix of old and new. Discover the charm of this dynamic neighborhood, where tradition and modernity go hand in hand and every corner tells a story.
Thai nicknames: funny and unflattering
Every Thai has a nickname. These often have something to do with appearance and are sometimes anything but flattering. Nicknames are mainly used in domestic circles and in the family. But Thai women also use a nickname in the office.
At the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are turning heads with their advanced designs and competitive pricing. The event, which runs from March 27 to April 7, will showcase 49 leading automotive brands and introduce more than 20 new models, highlighting the growing EV trend in Thailand.
Santi Khiri: Chinatown in the Thai mountains
High in the mountains of northern Thailand, relatively close to the border with Myanmar (Burma), is a village that is XNUMX percent Chinese, although the residents also speak fluent Thai. Chinese inscriptions, signposts and billboards welcome you to this remarkable enclave.
What is it like in Pattaya now with Russians and Chinese?
I'm going to Thailand again at the end of April (last time was 2018) and I'm also going to Pattaya for 5 days. I would like to know what the situation is like there now, because I have often read on this blog that it is overrun by Russians and Chinese?
Chinese and Russians dominate the Thai apartment market
In a recent development in the Thai real estate market, data from the Real Estate Information Center shows that Chinese and Russian buyers have a significant share of apartment purchases in Thailand. In the nine months to September, there has been a significant increase in apartment sales, with a total value of 52,3 billion baht.
Thailand is betting on record numbers of Chinese tourists in 2024
Thailand has big plans for tourism in 2024, with the ambition to welcome as many as 8,5 million Chinese visitors. Despite the current economic challenges in China, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on this important market, with strategies to boost tourist flows and relax visa regulations.
'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.
Recent research from the Mastercard Economics Institute shows that tourism spending in Thailand has increased by 40% compared to 2014. The report, called “Travel Industry Trends 2023”, provides an in-depth look at global travel trends, which are impacted by economic changes , consumer preferences and the opening of China.
Chinese are preying on real estate in Thailand
Since Beijing opened its borders this year, Chinese citizens are looking for opportunities to buy real estate in Thailand. It seems that many Chinese are eager to invest in a home abroad, as a kind of safety net in case a new pandemic breaks out, but also to hedge against economic risks.
Born from the mists of time
There are various theories about the origin of Thailand, which are by no means all valid or academically substantiated. It therefore remains extremely difficult and challenging to make statements about this that can be labeled as historically correct in one way or another. Much has probably disappeared in the mists of time.
The trade in Chinatown is seriously affected by new Chinese entrepreneurs with a lot of money
Investors from China have pumped a lot of money into Bangkok, but local entrepreneurs are complaining. From restaurants to flower markets, businesses from Chinese investors are popping up in both Chinatowns, Yaowarat and Huai Khwang. They are taking part of the profits from Thai entrepreneurs who hoped to make a profit again after Covid-19 because of tourists from China.
New Year's tradition: Oliebollen and fireworks (2)
Yesterday we were talking about oliebollen today we take a closer look at the fireworks tradition. Quite a controversial subject because there are people who love it but others hate it (especially the banging).
The short-lived Thonburi Empire
Anyone who has a little interest in the rich Thai history knows the kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Much less known is the story of the kingdom of Thonburi. And that is not really surprising because this principality had a very short-lived existence
Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor has signed a deal with the Thai government to lower the retail price of its electric vehicles in order to boost domestic sales.
An old Sino-Thai trade center comes to life
The history of Lhong 1919 dates back to the 19th century. It was the time when Chinese-Thai merchants built their homes on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and traded on the river from there. Lhong 1919 dates back to 1850 and was built by a Chinese nobleman named Huay Chong Lhong. He owned a number of steamboats and used Lhong 1919 as a trading center.
Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) plans to begin production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at its plant in Thailand in 2023, as China is expected to become a major EV manufacturing base in the future.
Chinese cemeteries in Thailand
Thais generally have themselves cremated after their death. The urn filled with ashes can then be kept at home or in a special spirit house or bricked into a temple wall somewhere, according to financial possibilities and religious needs.
New Year's gift for the tourism industry: 'Chinese tourists are welcome in Thailand'
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports wants a travel bubble with China as a New Year's gift for the tourism industry. The Chinese may then travel to Thailand during the Chinese New Year as the first group without mandatory quarantine.
Reader question: Can Chinese work as guides in Thailand?
There are professions in Thailand that a foreigner is not allowed to perform. You can read that on the following list. You can see that it says "Tour guiding or conducting". So someone with non-Thai nationality is not allowed to be a tourist guide. But then I wonder if there are any exceptions for Chinese guides? I have seen many Chinese in groups with a Chinese guide in Thailand.