10 years Thailand blog: Bloggers speak (Els van Wijlen)

Thailandblog would not be Thailandblog without the bloggers who regularly write or answer questions from readers. A reason to introduce them to you again and to put them in the spotlight.

We do this on the basis of a questionnaire, which the bloggers have filled in to the best of their knowledge. Today Els van Wijlen. Els regularly stayed with her husband 'de Kuuk' on Koh Phangan. Her son Robin has opened a coffee cafe on the island. Unfortunately 'de Kuuk' passed away after a short illness.

Questionnaire Thailand blog 10 years

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Questionnaire Thailand blog 10 years

What is your name/nickname on Thailandblog?

Els van Wijlen

What is your age?

> 50

What is your birthplace and country?

A small village in Brabant, Netherlands.

In which place have you lived the longest?

In another small village in Brabant.

What is/was your profession?

I see myself as an entrepreneur, with a love for numbers and letters. Occasionally I help enterprising people with their financial administration.

What were your hobbies in the Netherlands?

Walking, traveling, motorcycling, crafts, writing, dancing, live music, reading, lounging, campfire.

Do you live in Thailand or in Belgium/the Netherlands?

I live in the Netherlands and spend a large part of the year on Koh Phangan.

What is your bond with Thailand?

In 2006 I went on holiday for the first time with my partner (de Kuuk) and children. In the following years we kept returning to Thailand, we discovered different regions, often with a backpack on the motorbike. First together with the children, later we went out together again, just like in the 80s. Twice a year we visited Koh Phangan our favorite island. We have been living there for a large part of the year since the end of 2015. We had very good years there with our children and friends.

My son Robin has also been living on Koh Phangan since the end of 2015, together with his Korean girlfriend. He now has 2 coffee shops/restaurants: Bubba's Baan tai and Bubba's the Roastery in Haad Yao. His girlfriend Somi owns a Korean restaurant: Seoul Vibe.

In March 2019, my husband, de Kuuk, passed away after a short illness; a tough time. Both in the Netherlands and in Thailand I feel at home and supported by family and friends, I am grateful for that. Now I am back home on Koh Phangan.

Do you have other hobbies since living in Thailand?

I started writing more, climbing a waterfall more often, doing sports on the beach and riding the motorbike much more.

Why is Thailand special to you, why the fascination for the country?

Especially Koh Phangan is special to me. The climate, the beautiful nature, the freedom and the relaxed life. The wonderful people from all over the world that I meet here. There is a large international community here, a very positive vibe with many young, open minded and creative people.

How did you ever end up on Thailandblog and when?

A long time ago, when looking for info about Thailand.

Since when did you start writing for Thailandblog

Since 2016? I do not know exactly.

For what purpose did you start writing and/or answering questions?

For fun and to inspire others.

What do you like/special about Thailandblog?

You reach many Thailand lovers.

What do you like less about Thailandblog?

The nagging (often from men hahah) in response to some messages.

What kind of posts/stories on Thailandblog do you find most interesting?

Personal stories, practical information and visa information

Do you have contact with other bloggers (with whom and why)?

No.

What is the greatest satisfaction/appreciation for you of what you do for Thailandblog?

It's nice when people respond, especially when they get a little happy with my writing style.

What do you think of the many comments on Thailandblog? Do you read them all?

Depends on the subject and the tone of the responses.

What function do you think Thailandblog has?

It informs and connects.

The detailed info about visa taught me a lot.

Good luck with Thailand blog!