nomad4ever

The english pages of Spiegel.de host an interesting discussion about democracy in Thailand after the recent coup. Click here to read more. I am really thinking, that the Thais are about to losing it for the tourists this time – at least for this high season, which is about to start in 3-4 weeks time.

Why?

Things are coming in tough these recent weeks in Thailand:

– the 6 simultaneous bombs on September, 17th that rocked Haad Yai, killing 4 people, not only locals this time; but amongst the dead a 29-year-old canadian tourist and a chinese national

written by Chris

Just came back from a 12-hours trip from Phuket to Ranong/Kaw Thaung. It’s about 350km from Phuket and some companies are specialized to take you there and back in 1 day – to renew your Visa for Thailand.

Of course you can go to Malaysia as well, but currently there is a bit of civil unrest in the south of Thailand close to the Malaysian border, so I’ve heard. ;-/ Flying out every month is too expensive as well, so what else to do? Did I mention that the airport departure tax in Thailand was increased from 500 Baht to 700 Baht? Did I mention that overstaying your visa costs now 500 Baht instead of 200 Baht per day? Ah yes. We ‘farangs’ are the walking ATMs here.

written by Chris

Thailand seems to tighten it’s Visa regulations again: Phuket’s Immigration Chief has confirmed that Thailand will crack down on foreigners working illegally in the country by ending its policy of issuing an unlimited number of consecutive “visas on arrival” – tourist visas that allow the holder to stay a maximum of 15 or 30 days.

The crackdown is intended to stop foreigners – typically bar owners and other small businessmen without work permits – from using the visas to stay in the country indefinitely while working illegally.

written by Chris

This is just one example for Electric Cabling in Thailand. You can see that at any road, outside every house, even in the larger tourist areas.

Countless accidents over the years happened. Workers or Electricians falling from roofs of buildings – but death is anyway only a short intermezzo and some day every single one of us will be reborn, right?

written by Chris

Surprise struck me, when visiting one of the local supermarket here in Phuket recently.

I thought I found my alltime favorite chocolate Ritter Sport for an unbelievable dirt cheap price (15 Baht only!).

Corn Flakes and even Marzipan flavor, the one kind you rarely can find here in Asia! (Don’t know why it’s like this, maybe Asians don’t like Marzipan so much or the hot and humid weather is spoiling the ingredients).

Anyway – my arm was automatically extending to get a good bulk of the lot. Yummmmmmmmmy!!! But what was that? So light? And what are these strange characters on the paper – wafers??? Arglglglglll!

written by Chris

….as seen in Kata Beach, Phuket/Thailand.Looks like NASA doesn’t sell that many burgers here. The Kerosin taste may be a turn-off.

written by Chris

If you ever wanted to find out, if you meet the criteria of being an “Hippie”, check out this official Notice of Thailand’s Immigration Authorities.

written by Chris

On a recent short trip to Vietnam I had the chance to explore the country anew, after having not visited for over 7 years. The Vietnam Lunar Festival Tết Nguyên Đán was just in its last few days, when I touched down in Ho Chi Minh or Saigon.

Over the course of almost 2 weeks I commuted between Saigon and Vung Tau, a beach holiday destination just 125 km south of Vietnam’s largest city.

The overall experience was quite positive, it’s surprisingly easy to get around and make the most of your trip. Vietnam is quickly becoming a modern Asian country, after having suffered so much just a few decades ago.

written by Chris