Bangkok Shutdown: how do you say that in Dutch?

The call to come up with a Dutch equivalent of Bangkok Shutdown has – somewhat to our surprise – generated a large number of responses.

A literal translation was not necessary; that is often not possible, for example when translating poems. The translator retranslates then instead of translates and that can sometimes lead to great finds.

Bangkok Shutdown is a slogan. What requirements must a slogan meet? It must be short, easy on the ear, well-punched and it must be clear at a glance what the slogan means.

A slogan must also have something compelling, such as on the well-known poster Your country needs you. A verb is often better than a noun.

Literally Shutdown means closure, for example of a factory. Although it is a noun, it is derived from the verb to shut. Shutdown is a good slogan and immediately makes it clear what the action aims at. We used the same criteria when assessing the Dutch slogans.

Slogans that were not clear at first glance were dropped. Slogans that needed more words were also dropped. Slogans with non-Dutch words also did not get the hands of the jury.

We reviewed the following slogans:

• Bangkok Plat (Jan van Velthoven);
• Bangkok Locked, Bangkok Angry, Bangkok Blocks (Soi);
• Bangkok Held Hostage (Hemelsoet Roger);
• Bangkok Sigh, Bangkok Moan (Rob Piers);
• Bangkok Beloken (RonnyLadPhrao);
• Bangkok Blocks Democracy (TC);
• Bangkok Shutdown, Bangkok Blockade (khmer);
• Bangkok Comateus, Bangkok Closed (Chris, NB Two suggestions chosen);
• Bangkok is cooking, Bangkok Boet (jeewee);
• Suthep Mahanakorn (Popiang);
• Bangkok Stremming, Bangkok Slamming (Rob V.);
• Bangkok stuck town (Joris Hendriks);
• Bangkok's Voices (mima);
• Bangkok Back To Square (Farang tingtong);
• Bangkok no way (Jan Geluk);
• Bangkok Tild (Top Martin);
• Bangkok on tilt (Cornelis);
• Bangkok in emergency admission (Dre);
• Bang No Thak (Danny);
• Bang Knok (Henk);
• Thailand land of misfortune (Henk);
• Bangkok stands still where the Thai people want to continue (kees 1);
• Bangkok on the go (peter k);
• Bangkok…Sweat Sock! (Farang tingtong);
• Chaos City (other Chris);
• Bangkok Potdicht (editorial; out of competition).

Rash

We rate Bangkok Blockade as best. First of all, it alliterates nicely with the two B's and furthermore because Blokkade indicates exactly what the action aims for. Blokkade is derived from the verb to block, so that's fine too. And the word definitely has something menacing about it. So khmer, congratulations! You won. When you're in Bangkok, we'll treat you to a snack.

NB As usual, no correspondence can be entered into about the result.

Submitted communication

Looking for a nice gift for a birthday or just because? Buy The Best of Thailand Blog. A booklet of 118 pages with fascinating stories and stimulating columns from eighteen bloggers, a spicy quiz, useful tips for tourists and photos. Order now