The average wealth of Dutch households increased by almost 2016 percent in 10 to € 22,100. Average wealth is higher mainly because homes have risen in value. Without the owner-occupied home, the assets are just as high as in 2015. This is reported by Statistics Netherlands on the basis of new figures.
The Netherlands has risen one place in the ranking of the richest countries in the world and is now number eight in the world. Belgians are even richer and are in sixth place. Thailand ranks 53th out of 44 countries, according to Allianz's eighth Global Wealth Report.
For many Thai women it is a well-known lifeline from poverty and hopelessness: a foreign man with a well-filled wallet. Because the 24-year-old Thai beauty Praiya Suriya from Khon Kaen is an expert by experience, she wants to teach other Thai women the finer points of the golddigger trade for a fee (however else).
Two Thai families on Forbes list of 'richest families in Asia'
Forbes Asia has this week released the most recent list of the 50 richest families in Asia (2016). It also features two Thai families: Chearavanont and Chirathivat.
Belgians are the richest Europeans
Belgian households have an average net worth of 451.000 euros. This makes them the richest Europeans. The Dutch are in second place, according to a survey by ING.
"If only I were rich"
When the month is a few days too long and I'm short on cash, I sometimes want to hum this famous song by Lex Goudsmit from Anatevka (the first musical I ever saw in Carré). Sometimes on my motorbike on the way to the market for a cheap meal and sometimes just in the shower.
Thailand wants wealthy tourists, but shoots itself in the foot
In 2003, the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), came up with a new plan to make Thailand more attractive to wealthy tourists. An “Elite Card” was developed for the wealthy foreigner, which would offer various advantages in terms of visas, length of stay and the acquisition of real estate.
The Netherlands is the fourth richest country in the world. Belgium is even richer with two countries in front of it and Thailand is in stark contrast, according to the Global Wealth Report of the German insurer Allianz, published on Tuesday, which examines the wealth and debt of private households in more than 50 countries. .
More and more monks are being accused of a materialistic lifestyle, as can be read in the Bangkok Post today. Luxury cars, expensive watches and even flying with a private jet are just some of the striking findings.
Thailand's millionaires
We recently read on this blog that Mr. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, the founder and majority shareholder of Thai Bev, which includes Chang Beer, is the second richest man in Thailand.
The poverty of wealthy Thai children
During my winter stay in Hua Hin, we regularly visited the Market Village on Phetkasem Road. It is a luxury shopping mall with shops and restaurants that focus on the wealthy Thai, tourists and expats.
More millionaires in Thailand
For the first time last year there were more millionaires in Asia than in the United States. This is stated in a report by Capgemini SA and RBC Wealth Management.
The 40 richest men in Thailand
The political tension is still palpable, but Thailand's transition to a relatively calm period after last year's violence has caused stock prices and the economy to grow strongly. The SET 50 stock index rose a whopping 21,7% over last year, the biggest increase in 15 years. The Thai baht rose 6,1% against the dollar over the same period. The Gross National Product is expected to be in 2011 …
The suffering that is called love at a distance
“I want a farang friend”, she decided. A future that was all about working 10 hours seven days a week for a pittance made her desperate. She had a 'room' in a Bangkok slum. Every evening, after work, she plopped down on her mat on the floor, exhausted. She cried a lot, a hopeless and poverty-stricken existence with no prospect of better times. Work and sleep, day after day…