The Bangkok Podcast

In this show Greg and Ed respond to the opinions of our, ahem, massive group of followers on LINE about prices in Thailand: specifically both what is cheaper than you would expect and what is more expensive than you would expect. Ed starts things off with a general mini-rant about fruit. In semi-tropical Thailand, wouldn't it make sense that fruit was both plentiful and cheap? Not so Ed claims, even for such famed Thai fruits as the mango, which can be quite expensive off season. Greg opines that it depends where you go. The comments from listeners certainly run the gamut, with most examples being things that are more expensive than expected. Examples include imported textbooks, gourmet food, public transportation, gym memberships, coffee, pizza, and the old classic, wine, due to insane import duties. While a lot of things are cheap in Thailand, a few things are even cheaper than one would expect. Examples from our listeners are public utilities such as water, gas and diesel fuel, boob jobs (!), laundromats, and domestic airline flights. The general consensus seems to be that the cost of living has risen, but Thailand still manages to shine as a total package compared to most other options for expats. Hence, we're staying. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews old friend of the podcast Rikker Dockum, Thai language expert extraordinaire about the Thai Royal Society, an organization dedicated to overseeing, promoting and regulating the Thai language. Rikker begins by explaining that he actually wrote his undergraduate thesis on the Society more than 20 years ago, so he's a longstanding follower of their work. He notes that it originally modeled itself after the French Academy, which, among other things, develops French words for English equivalents. For instance, Greg brings up the issue of the word 'computer,' which is typically spoken in Thai as 'com-pu-TER,' even though the Society has specified a true Thai word for the computer. Rikker goes through the etymology of the word, but Greg asks whether the work of the Society is even necessary if people don't adopt the words they come up with. Rikker defends the use of public funds for work codifying 'official' Thai, noting that were it left to the private marketplace, the work would never get done. The old friends continue their conversation about the Society, emphasizing the need for such an organization for a language like Thai, which is vital to the history and culture of Thailand, but plays little role outside the country. Very few languages in the world are so popularly dominant that their continued preservation is assured, and unfortunately, Thai language is not one of them. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

The guys trade stories about their recent trips, Greg to Canada and Ed to Singapore. Ed begins with a few observations about the island nation. First, Singapore lived up to its reputation of being clean and orderly. Everything from the airport to the streets operated smoothly, and the population seemed to obey all the traffic laws all the time. This was a clear contrast with Bangkok, where traffic laws are contextual options. Second, the technology was more advanced than Thailand and probably even the United States. Ed relates a story of a restaurant with no cashier at all, where all the transactions take place electronically, from ordering to payment. Third, Ed notes a surprise: Singapore was not as socially conservative as he expected. Sex shops were not uncommon, some women dressed surprisingly racily, and bars and booze seemed to be everywhere. All hope for Singapore is apparently not lost. Greg then makes a few observations about Canada. Surprisingly, he also noted scantily clad women in public. While the bare midriff is not uncommon in Bangkok, compared to most westernized places, Thai women dress fairly modestly. The frequency of tattoos was also more common, and worse, many of them looked pretty ugly, much to Greg's chagrin, making him re-think his plan to get his own ink done. Greg also was reminded of a classic 'nice' Canadian practice: the friendly wave. While Thais are experts at smiling, the friendly wave is not really a Thai thing. If Greg has his way, though, he'll bring this Canadian gem to Thailand, just like maple syrup! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

This is part two of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand and Asia. The discussion picks up where it left off, on the particular characteristics of Thai culture and society that might make it harder for democracy to take root. Greg begins by bringing up Ed's frequent point that there's essentially an 'official' Thailand, how Thai elites describe their country, that is often at odds with what everyone knows is really happening in the country. Ed furthers the point that almost all Thai elites will give the 'right answer': we want 'real' democracy in Thailand, but then the very same elites go on to enact anti-democratic Constitutions. A. Ploy concurs with these assessments and notes the difficulty as a Thai person in remaining optimistic given the apparently cyclical nature of Thai politics, where the government comes close to being truly democratic, only to fall back down into true authoritarianism due some 'crisis' or another. A. Ed asks whether there is anything in the current political crisis that gives hope, and A. Ploy makes several points. The victory of Move Forward in the north of Thailand, the Pheu Thai stronghold, was unprecedented in the last 25 years. Also, the fact that Move Forward's base is made up of the Bangkok middle class and above, yet is pushing for truly progressive reforms, is a first in Thai history. However, reasons for pessimism exist as well. A. Ploy argues that no true change can happen until the current Constitution is seriously amended, which will be difficult to do given the current makeup of the Senate. She also notes that the next Prime Minister will likely be from the Pheu Thai Party, and there's no guarantee that Pheu Thai will really fight for the reformist agenda of the Move Forward Party now that K. Pita's bid is finished. All three participants agree there are many more issues to discuss, and undoubtedly more drama is to come on the Thai political scene. Hence, a return visit for A. Ploy to the podcast is likely! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

This is Part One of a two-part interview with Khun Ployjai Pintobtang, a lecturer in history at Chiang Mai University, about the history of democracy in Thailand and Asia. Ed begins by asking A. Ploy her take on an old trope: that Asian culture is unsuited for democracy because of its foundations in Confucianism, which is well known for its fixed, hierarchical relationships. A. Ploy quickly counters that this idea is outdated given the relative success of democracy in countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Ed wonders about Singapore, which seems stubbornly resistant to real democracy, but A. Ploy notes Singapore's unique history and essentially one-party system. Next, the conversation moves to possible pre-conditions for democracy: Can any country become a democracy at any time or does it have to reach a certain stage of development first? A. Ploy notes that there is no clear authority who should get to decide what those pre-conditions would be. Who has the right to decide that? Ed then points out that in 1776, less than ten percent of Americans could read and write, but somehow democracy managed to take hold. Greg then wonders if there is anything specific to Thai culture and society that might make it inappropriate for a democratic government. This leads to a lengthy discussion of Thai history, but in short, A. Ploy argues that Thai identity and nationalism has never truly contained democracy as a core element, thus complicating matters for democratic reformers. The three continue this in-depth discussion of democracy in Thailand on next week's show. If you want to learn more, check out the book that A. Ploy contributed to here. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed debate the pros and cons of coming to Thailand at different ages, with the obvious caveat that there's no right answer that applies to every person and that no matter when you come to the Land of Smiles, you can always (usually) make it work. Ed begins with the observation that early 20s might be the worst time, especially if you lack maturity and self-control - Thailand just has too many dangerous distractions. Greg notes that he managed to come in his mid-twenties and make it work but despite his friendly disposition, Greg is not much of a partier and avoided a lot of the typical pitfalls. The guys then consider coming here to retire, an obviously popular idea in the public imagination. However, both Greg and Ed contend that although Thailand has some advantages - namely cheap living and quality healthcare - it also has many disadvantages, including laws and bureaucracy that are unfriendly to expats. OK but not great seems to be the Bangkok Podcast consensus on retiring in Thailand. Greg then asks Ed what expats are the happiest he has met over the years. Ed relates that middle-aged guys with money, who already have been married with grown kids, seem to be the perfect fit for Thailand. Shock! Being single, with money, but with no need to find a lifelong partner is the best way to experience the Land of Smiles. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed interviews our favorite expert on Buddhism, Phra Pandit. This time the focus is on meditation, exactly what it is, and what role it plays in the Buddhist religion as a whole. Phra Pandit begins with explaining the basic difference between meditation and prayer: meditation is a form of mental training in which the meditator focuses on an 'object of meditation,' such as the breath, and attempts to build up concentration and focus on that object. However, meditation ultimately has a spiritual goal of 'union with God' or what Phra Pandit refers to as a 'super mundane' mental state. (And you thought the Bangkok Podcast was all about durian jokes.) Phra Pandit makes clear though that Buddhism as a religion is a very broad community and only a portion of Buddhist believers are seriously interested in meditation. Ed queries Phra Pandit about such issues as the scientific studies of mediation, the popularity of 'mindfulness' in the corporate world and whether it is good or bad, and the best way to begin a meditation practice. Some issues, such as the pros and cons of meditation retreats have to be left for another day, but be sure to listen in for future episodes. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed discuss an important conundrum facing expats and tourists in Thailand: When sick or injured, should you go to a private Thai hospital or a public one? The difference in cost is substantial, typically somewhere between a factor of three and ten. For major procedures you probably want to spring for private care, if you can, but for 'standard' things like stitches and sprains, is a public hospital okay? Greg begins with the very recent story of his son needing stitches for a split lip. Greg and his wife got treatment for his son at Bumrungrad Hospital, which is known for its international standard of care, but also for its high cost, especially in Thailand. A split lip might seem fairly mundane and more appropriate for a government hospital, but there were other factors that necessitated special care. Luckily, the treatment went fine and all is well, but Greg's experience highlights the difficult choices that expats face when it comes to medical care. Ed recounts a scary story of his wife getting into a motorbike accident and being taken to a nearby public hospital for emergency treatment. But due to the seriousness of her injury, his wife was going to need months of physical therapy with no guarantee of a full recovery. Ed decided to pull the ripcord and move to Bangkok Hospital, another facility renowned for quality care and high prices. At BH, Ed noted that the customer service was extremely high level with LOTS of handholding and explaining, which eased his anxiety considerably. But did his wife actually get better medical care? Ed is not really sure about that, but the care certainly FELT better. Last, Greg does a quick interview with friend of the podcast Bangkok Pat, who unfortunately was recently bitten by a dog and thus in need of a quick decision on medical care. In his case, the proximity and convenience of a private hospital (and its higher cost) won out over the uncertainty of a government one, but he's not sure he'd make the same call if it happened again. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews resident legal expert Dave Lawrence about the ins and outs of interacting with police officers in Bangkok. The guys begin by going over the various options for run-ins with the boys in brown in Bangkok, which run the gamut of being stopped while walking down the street, while riding a motorbike, or while in a taxi or car at a checkpoint. The guys run through their own personal experiences, which luckily turned out harmless enough. Greg then queries Dave about a person's exact rights in Thailand, and Dave goes through a helpful comparison and contrast with the United States, a good foil given the fact that most people understand how the U.S. works from movies and TV shows. Most relevantly, Dave notes that Thailand does not have an equivalent to America's 4th Amendment, which means that the Thai police can pat you down or search you when you are encountered on the street. The guys then discuss various informal strategies to maybe wriggle your way out of an encounter, such as speaking only English with a police officer who speaks only Thai, hoping that the cop gives up out of frustration. The guys then go into more specific questions, such as: Do Thai police have the right to stop you on the street and insist upon your tourist? Dave explains that the problem in Thailand is that these questions are not always answered explicitly in the law, unlike in the West. While urine tests seem to be within the power of the police during bar raids and at formal checkpoints, the authority for random tests is unclear. In this case, a person can always attempt to refuse, but how the police respond is anyone's guess. Welcome to a country where the rule of law is not as strong as back home, and not every question is answered in black and white - more like a shade of brown. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed discuss whether or not they prefer to be treated the same as Thai people are treated. On the one hand, after living in Thailand for twenty years, the guys feel like they've 'earned' the right to be accepted into Thai society and be treated with the same respect a Thai person would be. Ed recounts his frustration with meeting Thai people who do not 'wai' him even after learning that he is an ajarn at a Thai university. On the other hand, to be TRULY Thai, the boys would also be subject to all the responsibilities of Thai people. More on that later. Greg checks in with two of his friends from work, Aum and Nonglak (thanks ladies!). In a short audio clip, they admit rarely if ever bowing to foreigners, but contend this is not intended as disrespect, but rather that farang are simply 'outside' of the Thai system and therefore may not understand the significance of various aspects of Thai culture. Ed confirms that his Thai friend also makes a similar point: when Thais interact with foreigners in Thailand, they simply do not consider them subject to the same rules as Thai people. In short, Thai cultural norms don't apply to non-Thais, even inside of Thailand. The boys in the end note that in all fairness, if they demanded to be treated exactly the same as Thais, they also would have to fulfill all the obligations that 'senior' Thai people have. Ed notes that at his university, the Thai Ajarns must attend various ceremonies throughout the year, that he (as a foreigner) is exempt from. And Greg paints the literally uncomfortable picture of kneeling for hours, hands clasped, sweat rolling down your face, at various Buddhist blessings and ceremonies. Both guys agree that living in the 'in-between' zone of being able to opt into but also out of Thai culture is actually a pretty advantageous place to be. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed interviews his old friend Jim Cirillo, a good example of a repeat tourist (or re-tourist) to Thailand, the sizeable population of people all over the world who keep coming back to Thailand but for a variety of reasons have decided not to live here. A global Thailand fan club, if you will. The guys begin by recounting Jim's first visit to Thailand in 2002, when traffic was even more chaotic and elephants roamed the streets of Bangkok. Fast forward to 2016, and Jim returned to get a break from his high stress corporate lifestyle, and he more or less fell in love with the openness and relaxed nature of Thai society. It helped that Jim is a musician that he found the Bangkok music scene welcoming and savvy to western music such as jazz and blues. His return also turned him on to the digital nomads working in Chiang Mai, a discovery that would eventually lead Jim to starting his own podcast about reinventing yourself in the digital age. Check out Jim Jim's Reinvention Revolution here. Thailand thus became a place for Jim to connect with interesting people who were hip to how technology was changing careers and the economy. Further, Jim explains how Bangkok is a fantastic hub for travel to other destinations, from Cambodia to the Philippines to Bali. The long and short of it: a re-tourist to Thailand was born. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Sparked by a recent news story, Greg and Ed consider the ways in which Thai public transportation misses the mark. Granted, both guys agree that overall, public transportation in Thailand is actually pretty good, and miles ahead of where it was when they got here. The MRT and BTS have expanded considerably in recent years, regional airports dot the country, and an extensive railway line spans the country. Nevertheless, certain quirks in the system just don't make sense, and the boys decided to air their questions. First, Greg mentions the news story about a missing link between two separate lines of the BTS that come oh so close but inexplicably lack a connection - not the first time this has happened. Ed laments that the different lines of both the BTS and MRT are really separate projects, with some but not really complete coordination, resulting in some perplexing gaps in the system. Second, Ed brings up the long talked about plan for high speed rail in Thailand, noting that although the rail system in the country is quite extensive and very popular, it's also very old and greatly in need of an upgrade. The guys continue, discussing such issues as the lack of boat connections across the Gulf, the inability to take khlong boats from the city out into the Chao Phraya, and the lack of taxi boats from Bangkok to Paknam and out into the ocean. Listen in for the details. Last, Greg brings up a purely aesthetic point: why aren't the pillars and undersides of the BTS used for art and graffiti? No doubt thousands of square meters of blank concrete would make great canvases for colorful and creative public displays of Thai artistic talent. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Gary Butler or 'The Roaming Cook' about his YouTube channel and the wonders of food in Thonburi, the cool side of the Chao Praya River. Gary begins with some background information: he's a native Londoner who had a career as a house painter (!) but who started a Thai food blog back in 2015. He eventually moved to Thailand and began a YouTube channel focusing on street food throughout the city. However the guys quickly focus on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, which Greg points out doesn't get much love from restaurant guides about the city, citing this egregiously under-reported story. Gary notes the historical significance of Thonburi as the former capital of Thailand and (like Greg and Ed) defends the 'Brooklyn' of Bangkok as a great place to eat and live. Gary notes that while Sukhumvit has a lot of international options, it's a little difficult to find a variety of good Thai food, whereas Thonburi is bursting with old-school Thai options. Greg and Gary continue to extol the virtues of Thonburi. Although parts of it are modernizing, especially near the river, other parts have remained unchanged for decades, something that appeals to many Thai people and even some expats. Gary continues by going into the details of different sois and neighborhoods throughout Thonburi and their various culinary delights. Definitely check out Gary's YouTube channel 'The Roaming Cook' but also take a day to wander the streets of Thonburi for a different Bangkok experience. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed go over the election results, with Ed leading the way and doing his best to evaluate his pre-election predictions. First, Ed discusses the obvious way the election was NOT a surprise: the conservative parties (UTN, Palang Pracharath, and the Democrats) were destroyed as expected. If anything, their decimation was even worse than expected. Second, Ed mentions how the election did involve somewhat of a shocker: the Move Forward Party overperformed and actually beat the Pheu Thai Party overall for total number of seats won. Ed notes that pre-election polls did show Move Forward gaining, but few people expected them to win outright. Why is this a big deal? Well, the Shinawatra spawned parties have won every election in Thailand since 2000, so these results do show a major shift in among the Thai electorate towards a Bangkok-based party. But significantly, Move Forward is a very progressive party, unlike the conservative Democrats who formerly dominated in Bangkok. So what grade does Ed give himself on his pre-election prognostications? Well, he did correctly note that Move Forward was gaining and the Bhuamjaithai was in general conservative despite their 'progressive' stance on cannabis. However, Ed thought that a coalition between Move Forward and Pheu Thai would be difficult to achieve, but in fact Pheu Thai pledged to join Move Forward immediately. Grade: C+. Greg kindly chimes in with a slightly more generous assessment of B-. But either way, this is an issue that we should all be watching very closely for the next little while. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed discuss their personal experiences as victims of crime in Bangkok. Greg opens with a recap of his recent bike theft story which has been discussed in more detail on the bonus show. Although the bike has yet to be retrieved, the Thai police were surprisingly responsive and professional. Greg then relates a couple encounters with pickpockets and an odd experience with an angry street kid. All in all, not bad for twenty years in a giant, teeming metropolis. Ed then talks about his experience living in a house on Sukhumvit Soi 1, very close to Bumgungrad Hospital which was undergoing expansion and thus necessitating a camp of laborers nearby. Unsurprisingly perhaps, Ed's house was robbed three times, including once when his wife woke up and confronted a burglar. Other than that, Ed has managed to avoid any other encounters with crime in Bangkok, also not a bad record all things considered. The guys then go over the most high risk behavior that foreigners in Thailand can engage in, including frequenting crowded areas where foreigners are known to go (such as Khao San Road or Chatuchak Market) and not securing your belongings. This makes you easy prey for pickpockets who target non-Thai looking people in such areas, as this poor sap found out the hard way. The second risky move is interacting extensively with street people at night, especially bargirls and ladyboys, who have a reputation for being light-fingered. And last is fairly obvious: being very drunk late at night and taking long cab rides or cavorting with bar girls. No one is 'blaming the victim,' but it is undoubtedly a fact that certain activities in Bangkok are riskier than others. You have been warned. 🙂 Luckily, as has been stated on the podcast many times, most crimes against foreigners in Thailand are non-violent, at least compared to most big cities back home. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Ryan Cullinan of the Thailand RH- Blood Donation Facebook group. The guys open with a discussion of the nature of blood donation: everyone knows it exists, everyone knows they SHOULD do it, but due to lack of social pressure, many people never donate. Greg manned up though for this show and went and gave blood. Check out the pics of his adventure below. Ryan tells the story of how he got involved in blood donation in the first place. Long story short, a close friend of his in Thailand was in a motorbike accident and was seriously in need of blood for his treatment. His friend had an RH- blood type, which as Ryan explains, is much more common among Europeans than it is among Asians, putting people of European ancestry (as well as RH- Thais) at great risk of not being able to get the blood they need when in a Thai hospital. As a result of seeing his friend's struggle - which, luckily, had a happy ending - Ryan set up his first FB group dedicated to convincing foreigners to donate blood in Thailand. The guys continue by getting into some of the interesting facts of blood donation, including the unfortunate exclusion in the past of many people from the EU due to fears over Mad Cow disease. Most importantly, Ryan (and Greg) encourage listeners to head down to the National Blood Center at the Thai Red Cross Society in Bangkok to make your first donation. It'll cost you nothing but some time, but you might literally save someone's life. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In this show, Ed does his best to summarize the Thai political parties contesting the upcoming elections, as well as their various policy positions. As an overview, Ed notes a couple general themes. One is the possible return to power of the Pheu Thai party, the heir to the previous Thai Rak Thai party and Shinawatra clan. Thai people are not entirely sure whether they want to fully turn the page on the previous era in Thai politics, and this election will do a lot to settle this issue. Second, the populist handouts made famous (some would say infamous) by the Thai Rak Thai party are now practiced essentially universally by all parties, although the nature and extent of the 'benefits' may differ. A winning electoral strategy (however 'infamous') IS in fact a winning strategy, and none of the major parties have been able to resist the allure of easy promises. Ed then does a quick run through of the six biggest parties in Thailand. Three parties can be said to represent the Thai establishment. The United Thai Nation party is a new party created to carry the banner of the current Prime Minister. It is thus conservative and nationalistic and represents a continuation of current policies. The Palang Pracharath stands for roughly the same things but offers a different former general as Prime Minister. The Democrat Party is the oldest political party in Thailand and represents the upper middle class elite of Bangkok, as well as a strong faction in the South. Another three parties are anti-establishment, each in their own way. The Bhuamjaithai party made its name promoting the legalization of cannabis, and although they don't technically support full recreational use, stand for a more liberal approach to the popular herb. The Move Forward party is a Bangkok-based progressive movement that makes the boldest claims for reforming the Thai military as well as the strict lese majeste laws. And finally, the aforementioned Pheu Thai largely represents the poor rural population, especially farmers, and uses a more socialist-style approach to managing the Thai economy. While currently the anti-establishment parties are polling well, it's anybody's guess if the winning party will be able to form a coalition large enough to choose the Prime Minister. After nine years of more or less military rule, however, this election will for sure be consequential. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In a unique episode, the guys take six characteristics of a 'livable city' (established by renowned urban planner Alex Garvin) and give their own opinions on how Bangkok fares. Neither guy knows what the other is gonna say, so part of the fun is seeing where they agree and disagree. The first characteristic is that a city must be open to people with different backgrounds and goals. The guys roughly agree on this issue, with Greg giving Bangkok a score of 7 and Ed a score of 6. The second characteristic is having something for everyone, especially people of different economic classes. Here Ed gives Bangkok a very high score of 9, but Greg thinks it's not that good with a 6. The third quality of a liveable city is that it can attract people and maintain demand. Once again, both guys give Bangkok high scores. However, the fourth and fifth qualities cause some disagreement. Greg gives Bangkok a lower score for development than Ed does, and when it comes to providing a sustainable, livable environment, Ed's score is average, but Greg's is much lower. Last, the guys come back to a state of agreement on civil society in Bangkok, arguing it isn't great but could also be a lot worse. Who needs some science-y survey when you got two experts right here to tell you all how Bangkok ranks up? Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Wiramrudee 'Pink' Mokkhavesa, an attorney at the law firm of Tilleke & Gibbins in Bangkok. Tilleke is one of the most well-known firms in the city, and it is probably most famous for its intellectual property group, which leads the fight against counterfeit goods in Thailand and Asia. Khun Pink begins with a brief introduction to her firm, but then launches into an explanation of the 'counterfeit museum' located in their law offices which displays various fake products that the firm has helped keep off the market. According to K. Pink, Tilleke's museum is the largest such museum in the world. She then explains the absurdly large market in counterfeits, which has been estimated at 2.5 percent of all global trade as early as 2019. Greg raises the interesting question of whether counterfeit goods are always harmful. If the consumer knows their 'Gucci' watch is not real, then who is being harmed? K. Pink gives several responses. First, due to lower quality, fake goods can actually be harmful, as in the case of decreased durability and likelihood of failure. Second, a market filled with counterfeits can discourage creators from taking the risks necessary to make new products. Third, companies making fake goods typically don't pay taxes, thus depriving the government of revenue. And last, countries with a bad reputation for counterfeits can have trouble attracting foreign investment, thus hurting the economy as a whole. Then there is the question of - if you're okay with shoes and watches, what about medicine and car parts? Where does it end? The two continue their discussion of this complex issue, covering questions of the role of the Thai government in enforcing (or not enforcing) current laws to how K. Pink gives advice to clients considering doing business in Thailand. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed take up the somewhat grim topic of motorbike accidents in Thailand. As this episode is essentially the Songkran episode for this year, the timing could not be more appropriate because more people die in road accidents during the '7 dangerous days' around the holiday than during any other time of the year. Ed takes the lead and tries to break down the situation. First, Thai roads in general are just more dangerous than almost anywhere in the world, most likely due to lax enforcement of driving laws. So even if you are not on a motorbike, be very aware anytime you are near or crossing roads. Second, riding on the back of motorbikes is extremely common throughout the country, but especially in Bangkok and on tourist islands. But commonsense reveals that on a motorbike, you are considerably less protected than when in a proper automobile. Next, many foreigners choose to rent motorbikes and drive them themselves. This creates additional risk, unless you are someone very familiar with operating motorbikes or motorcycles. To make matters even worse, for many different reasons, health insurance often does not cover injuries that are a result of motorbike accidents. Possible reasons include blanket exceptions, not wearing a helmet, or not being properly licensed. The result can turn a dream holiday into a literal health and financial nightmare for tourists and expats (as well as their families). Read this story that Greg's friend Karla wrote for CNN about her motorbike-from-hell story when she first visited Thailand. The Bangkok Podcast implores listeners to tell all their friends visiting Thailand to either avoid motorbikes entirely or to guarantee they have proper health insurance coverage. Have fun this holiday but always be safe. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Pailin Chongchitnant of Hot Thai Kitchen, a returning guest from Season 3, Episode 4. Pailin begins with a basic introduction to her YouTube channel: she de-mystifies Thai cuisine (and how to cook it) to the English-speaking world. Each video typically encompasses one complete recipe, and she takes pains to make sure the steps are friendly to beginners as well as more advanced chefs. Further, she provides ingredient alternatives when specific Thai things might be hard to find for the average Western shopper. Greg asks how her videos have changed over the years, and Pailin notes that she has expanded into 'topic' videos, given that she already has videos that cover most Thai dishes. She has recently made videos on how to choose the proper Thai curry, how to navigate an Asian grocery store, and even how to correctly eat Thai food with a spoon (rather than a fork). Following up on an issue from the last time she was on the podcast, Pailin contends that the situation for Thai food in North America has actually improved in the last few years, partly due to a welcome shift towards crediting people of color with their contributions to the restaurant industry. Greg wraps up the interview with a few questions from our patrons for the Thai food expert. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg begins by explaining the momentous time we live in: soon there will be a general election in the Land of Smiles. He turns to Ed, allegedly a professor of political science, to give a primer (long 'i') on the upcoming election scene, but with a focus on how we got here in the first place. Ed begins by going all the way back to the elections of 2000, when Thailand was reeling from the economic crisis of 1997 and straddled with billions of dollars of debt to the IMF. On to the scene marched a nouveau riche Thai billionaire, Thaksin Shinawatra, who confidently promised to repay the government's debts early (which he did, as a matter of fact). Thaksin formed a surprisingly broad coalition of Isaan farmers and a fairly sizable chunk of the Bangkok middle class. After an economically successful but otherwise controversial first term, he was re-elected in 2004 in more or less a landslide. However, this apparent 'success' led to a backlash in the form of a coup d'etat from a conservative establishment in 2006, followed by years of political turmoil. After Thaksin's sister Yingluck won an election in 2012, another coup followed in 2014. Since then, the military has held a firm grasp on the government, but lo and behold, Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn is the leading candidate in the upcoming election. The more things change, the more they stay the same in modern Thai politics. Greg and Ed discuss whether or not any of this really matters to expats in Thailand. We can't vote, so why bother going deep? The guys offer differing perspectives on the issue, leaving it up to each expat to decide on their own. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

This is the second part of a two part interview with Paul and Yuangrat Wedel, longtime scholars and writers on Thai history and society. The first part of the interview focused on the roots of radicalism in Thai politics, especially the cultural impact of the Hindu 'sakdina' system. The second part begins with a discussion of the 1932 coup that led to the dissolution of absolute monarchy. Paul explains the education of both Pridi Banomyong and Phibul Songkhram in France, and their desire to bring Western liberal ideas to Siam. Pridi, the civilian, took a particularly leftist view of economics and tried to indoctrinate those views in the first Thai constitution. Subsequently, after the split between Pridi and Phibul, Pridi's more radical views were used against him and played a role in his eventual exile from Thailand. The conversation continues to cover the rise of the military in Thai politics, the role of satire in Thai society, the student uprisings of the 1970s, and eventually to the more recent protests against the current military-backed government. Has anything really changed? If not, is there reason for optimism? Listen in for the views of two true experts on Thailand with a genuinely long view of Thai history. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed interview a fascinating and very erudite couple, Paul and Yuangrat Wedel. Paul, a native of New Jersey, met Yuangrat, a native of Nakhon Si Thammarat, in Bangkok in the late 1970s and through various twists and turns ended up both getting advanced degrees in the States and carrying on a romance and eventually getting married. (Their daughter, documentary filmmaker Pailin Wedel, is a former guest of the show, as is Pailin's husband Patrick). After setting up their life in Thailand, with Yuangrat working as a professor at Thammasat University and Paul doing NGO work, they decided to use Yuangrat's PhD dissertation as the basis for a book about radical politics in Thai history. Greg and Ed query Paul and Yuangrat about the fascinating story of Marxism and socialism in Thai history, something many Thais are entirely ignorant of. Yuangrat traces its origins back to the 'sakdina' system, a complex social hierarchy imported into Thai culture through the influence of Hinduism based on land owndership. This system created a clear separation between social classes, providing a fertile breeding ground for later far left politics that sought to free the lower working classes from the higher privileged classes. This leads to an engrossing discussion of the rise of Chinese merchants in Thai society, the effect foreign radical thought had on a groundbreaking Thai journalist, and eventually to the movement for constitutional monarchy in Thailand. Listen in if you are curious to hear a discussion on an often forgotten but truly interesting part of Thai history, and check back for part 2 next week. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed look at a few recent world rankings to see where Thailand fits into a world with nearly two hundred different countries. First, Greg brings up the 'Global Power City Index,' a comprehensive ranking of 48 large cities around the world that focuses on a city's 'magnetism' or ability to attract visitors and expats. Greg outlines some of the factors measured, including livability, environment, economy and cultural interaction. Ed guesses that Bangkok will probably rank fairly low based on these criteria due to the bad traffic, air pollution, and relative lack of cultural resources. Greg reveals that in fact Bangkok ranks 40th out of 48. The guys discuss the fairness of the rankings and compare Bangkok to closely ranked cities such as Tel Aviv and Kuala Lumpur. Greg and Ed consider the 'low' ranking fair with the caveat that the competition is stiff and certainly doesn't imply Bangkok is not worth a visit. Next, Greg brings up the Internations Expat City ranking which claims that 79% of expats in Bangkok are satisfied with living in the city. Both guys consider this an impressive showing. The Forbes 'Quit Your Job and Move Abroad' list is next, and Thailand ties with Italy as the ninth best country in the world to escape to. Last, Greg and Ed take issue with a survey that listed Thailand as the 4th cheapest country in the world to visit. Ed notes that this can only be true with multiple caveats, especially the fact that the actual poorest/cheapest countries in the world are places that no one would really want to visit anyway. And Greg notes that general ratings of Thailand can be misleading because the cost of visiting Bangkok or tourist venues throughout the country is significantly more expensive than the 'real' Thailand that most Thais live in. So for most visitors, they are unlikely to find the cheap prices mentioned in the article. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

This is Part 2 of our epic interview with Richard Barrow, giant among expats in Thailand. In the second half of the discussion, Richard continues with explaining his slow rise as a 'citizen journalist,' first simply documenting his travels around Thailand, but eventually becoming a chronicler for English-speakers of daily events in the country. The yellow and red shirt political struggles and natural disasters such as the floods of 2011 meant that the expat community was in serious need of a dedicated, competent, native English speaker with knowledge of both Thai language and Thai culture. And Richard fit the bill. The guys also try to dissect Richard's motivations, given his very little effort to monetize all the work he does outside of his main job. Richard's explanation is simple: he likes reporting on stuff in Thailand and does it simply as a public service. Greg and Ed do their best to try to understand how and why this makes people's heads explode and can come up with only one explanation besides "people suck": the anonymous power the Internet gives you. Last, Richard explains his obsession with Thailand's rail lines, and the Thai government's subsequent interest in that obsession. Check out the resulting collaboration here. https://www.thaitrainguide.com/ Who knows, but now that Richard's notorious reluctance to give interviews has been broken, he MAY become an annual guest on the podcast. We can only hope. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed meet the icon Richard Barrow in Samut Prakan and interview him about his unusual life in Thailand. Richard begins by explaining his life roaming Asia as a young man on his way to Australia. By chance he made some connections in Thailand at a small Thai school in Samut Prakan, leading to a quaint few weeks experiencing 'real' Thai culture, wholly separate from the normal touristed locations. The memory stuck with him and he subsequently returned to become a teacher at the school, and well, he's stayed there for over thirty years, never succumbing to the allure of Bangkok or the more typical paths of expats. After some prodding, Richard explains his background as an IT guy who got into building websites and blogging early, documenting his daily life in a provincial Thai town on the sea, as well as his numerous travels around Thailand. He was also an early adopter of Twitter and as his popularity grew, he began documenting current events throughout Thailand, but especially the political protests of the late naughts and early teens and the floods of 2011. It turns out that his style of straightforward stick-to-the-facts 'reporting' plus his knowledge of Thai language and culture was a winning formula to say the least. Richard became the 'go to' guy for thousands - and then tens, and then hundreds of thousands - of Thais, expats and tourists alike who wanted an on-the-ground voice to give them some insight into what was going on in Thailand. Check out Part 2 of the interview next week when Richard gets into his stubborn refusal to monetize his success and why he is viewed as 'controversial' by some netizens. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Unless you've been living under a rock lately, you've probably heard of ChatGPT, a brand new AI writing tool that produces some shockingly advanced stuff. It's only a few months old but it's already threatening to upend a number of industries in a big way. So, in a slightly odd show that shows how technologically hip the Bangkok Podcast is, Greg and Ed discuss ChatGPTs take on Bangkok and Thailand, Greg queries the new search engine with a host of questions about the Land of Smiles to see how much it really knows. The AI manages to write a couple different introductions to the podcast, one more positive and one more sarcastic. Both display excellent English and solid basic knowledge of Thailand. When Greg pushes AI to write a poem about Bangkok, both guys are shocked at how 'not bad' the result is.. A+ honors high school English? Probably not. Passably average junior high level? For sure! The guys discuss the shocking rate at which the AI has improved over the last year and ponder what the future will bring. Greg also notes the limitations of the system: results tend to be factually accurate, but not always complete, and over time, somewhat repetitive. The boys also discover that the powers that be have given the AI 'guard rails,' for lack of a better term: the system won't discuss potentially controversial topics such as prostitution, ladyboys, or even Bangkok nightlife in general. All in all, ChatGPT is amazing at what it can do, but the output in the end is neither super interesting nor super fun, and certainly not 'dangerous' in any way. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed interviews Sahajak "Poo" Boonthakit, Thai actor and entertainer. K. Poo begins by explaining his unusual childhood: his father was a Thai diplomat and when Poo was a young boy his family moved to Nairobi, Kenya, where Poo would spend the next 11 years. Poo discusses life in Kenya among Africans and Indians and white 'colonialists,' but also the incredible natural phenomena of the African savannah. However, in high school, Poo's family would move to New York, where he at first became more American but then later learned 'how to be Thai' from the tight knit community of Thai expats in the city. Ed asks Poo about his history as an entertainer, and Poo explains that in Nairobi his brothers formed an acting troupe that performed on stage at school and in the city. In New York, Poo continued by becoming a singer and guitar player at local Thai restaurants. In the late 1990s, Poo returned to Thailand with his Filipino wife, and they started The Garage, one of the first American burger joints in Bangkok. Through a stroke of luck, their young son was cast in a commercial and Poo landed the role of the father (he was a natural at it). :) This led to a fascinating career acting in films, from "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio to "Brokedown Palace" with Claire Danes, up until the very recent "Thirteen Lives" directed by Ron Howard. Poo tells the story of his amazing three month shoot in Australia with the famous director and luminaries such as Viggo Mortenson and Colin Farrell. And The Garage is still going strong after twenty plus years! Poo invites all podcast listeners to join him for some American grub at the corner of Sukumvit 32 and Sukumvit Road. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed get all deep by asking the question "Is Thailand really the Land of the Free?" And what does "freedom" even mean? Many people know that the word 'Thailand' is supposed to translate as the 'Land of the Free.' The guys first discuss the etymology of the word, with both Google and linguist friends revealing the actual provenance of that translation is unknown, and it's possible that it is more of a folk belief than something linguistically legitimate. So how about in real life? Walking down the streets of Bangkok, do Greg and Ed feel more free than they would if they were back in Canada or the U.S.? Greg notes that the word 'free' is difficult to define and means different things to different people. Ed argues that from a purely political standpoint, America is probably the most free country in the world, but here's the rub: not everyone really cares about the freedom to criticize your government without fear of punishment. The guys consider the possibility that on a practical level, due to Thailand's chill culture and 'hands-off' approach by the police, Thailand might be more free than Western countries in the ways that most people care about. The issue is a tricky one of course: the rule of law is a pain when you get stopped for a traffic offense, but a godsend when you are the victim of a crime. Greg and Ed do their best to examine the issue, but both admit then in at least some ways, Thailand does live up to its famous moniker. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Justin Dunne of 'Bangkok Haunt,' a tour company in Bangkok that focuses on Thai ghost stories and their relevant locations. Justin is an old friend of Greg's and after trading a few stories of the old days, the guys get into their mutual love of the city of Bangkok but also their mutual fascination with Thai spirit houses. Justin explains that his interest in Thai people's supernatural beliefs led to a study of Thai ghost stories especially as they relate to the city of Bangkok. Fans of the podcast will already know that ghost stories are a pillar of Thai culture and history, and all Thais are familiar with a pantheon of ghosts and their stories. This led Justin to develop a tour of Bangkok that focuses on these ghost stories. Greg is a bit shocked to learn that the tour is 9 hours long, but Justin notes that it's both physically and emotionally taxing, given the 'dark' nature of some of the stories. In other words, this is NOT a superficial exposure to Thai ghost culture; go big or go home appears to be the Bangkok Haunt motto. The guys go into details on the breadth of the tour, which includes ghosts, spirits, and 'dark history,' or locations in Bangkok where tragedies have occurred. Although not for the faint of heart, anyone interested in a REAL introduction to a key part of Thai history and culture should check out Bangkok Haunt. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In a special listener voicemail show, Greg and Ed discuss what listeners miss most about Thailand. The guys go through a bunch of different messages, each expressing a unique characteristic of the Land of Smiles that keeps them pining for more. Starting off is Erich, with classic praise for Thai people themselves, which may be the country's greatest asset. A little further down the list is Jett from Los Angeles, with a unique lament for the Ministry of Rural Roads (actually Department of Rural Roads, but same same), which keeps Thailand's country roads in excellent shape for his motorcycle adventures. Another interesting take comes from Paul, who misses the intensity and colorfulness of the Thai promotions that dot Thailand's malls and commercial landscape. At the end, our old friend Evo and podcast master himself gives a heartfelt call out to his days as the co-host of the Bankgok Podcast! Awww! (Sniffle, sniffle). Check out all of our listeners' takes on the full episode, and many thanks to everyone who sent in a voicemail! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

We dive back into history with the remarkable story of Chang and Eng Bunker, more famously known as the Siamese Twins. Born and raised in Samut Songkhram province just south of Bangkok, they had a fateful encounter with a Scottish trader by the name of Robert Hunter - himself an interesting fellow - and their lives were never the same. Siam at the time was little more than a vague backwater "somewhere in Asia" and because of their unique condition, the twins agreed to follow Hunter to the US and go on tour. It was not an easy life, as they fought against racial stereotypes and the fear that people of the time had against anyone with such an unusual condition, but they persevered, learning English and eventually striking out on their own to control their own destinies. This was just the beginning of a remarkable adventure that saw them get into bar brawls, argue with doctors, travel the world, and find fame, fortune and love. Check out the episode of Mobituaries here, which visits one of the Bunker family reunions, as well as this trailer for a TV show called Extraordinary Siamese Story: Chang and Eng. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In Part Two of Ed's Thai lesson with guru Stu Jay Raj, the two push through Ed's sample Thai conversation. Stu continues to emphasize the importance of proper pronunciation of vowels, even going so far as to say it is more important than tones themselves. But Stu also gives several examples of Ed using sentence structures borrowed directly from English that, while grammatically correct in Thai, do not sound natural to native speakers. Additionally, Ed has a habit of using phrases that could tip off a Thai person to the fact that Ed learned his early Thai in the bars of lower Sukhumvit Road, which is not exactly known as a bastion of erudition among Thais.:) The lesson concludes with a discussion of the value of learning Thai from a teacher that speaks English and understands how native English speakers form sentences. Native Thai speakers have obvious advantages, of course, but that doesn't mean they are the best teachers in every situation. Listen in for some expert advice on learning Thai as a second language. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed goes back to school and gets a Thai lesson from the master himself, Stu Jay Raj. Ed recounts a common backstory, wherein he made serious effort to learn Thai during his first two years in Thailand - and even ended up marrying his Thai language teacher! But after that, he more or less plateaued and is looking for a way to jump start (or jump 're-start') his Thai language learning. In Part One of a two part series, Stu analyzes a short conversation Ed recorded with a Thai friend, Anna from Lampang. Stu brings out the microscope and focuses on Ed's failure to grasp the 'glottal stop' and its function in Thai language. In short, many Thai consonants are voiced in the back of the throat and don't involve pushing air out of the front of the mouth. After practicing a bit, Ed makes some headway, but he's got a lot of work to do. Next, Stu points out that Ed's Thai vowels are haphazard in length, when precision with vowels is a key to Thai comprehension. Stu notes that often foreigners get obsessed with tones, which are undoubtedly important, when they should be focusing more on clear pronunciation of vowels, which add 'color' to a word. Stu's advice is pointed, but even in this short lesson, Ed manages to make some progress. In Part Two, Stu delves into other issues such as word choice and 'prosody' or the rhythm at which someone speaks. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Bangkok-based lawyer Dave Lawrence about the ins and outs of foreigners owning land in Thailand. Dave begins with his backstory: he went to law school in Ohio where he met his future wife while she was getting a master's degree (also in law), and upon graduating they returned to Thailand for what was expected to be two years. That has now turned into 12 years, and in the meantime Dave has worked several different legal jobs at law firms as well as private companies. Dave then explains his current venture: Pegleg, a company that matches foreigners in Thailand with Thai lawyers and law firms. Dave then introduces us to the basics of foreigners owning property in Thailand. As for condos, it's possible as long as less than 50% of the 'saleable land' in the building is owned by foreigners. However, in general, owning real property (actual land) is forbidden to foreigners - but there are some well-known (but questionably legal) workarounds. Some foreigners start a company with majority Thai ownership and then have the company purchase the land. Dave points out that this is a risky maneuver and potentially illegal if the Thai owners are just 'nominees' instead of true owners. Next, the guys discuss the recent (and recurring) talk of amending the law to allow foreign ownership in some cases. Dave argues that such efforts are usually met with skepticism in the legal community because of their history of being met with xenophobic opposition, i.e. fear of foreigners 'buying up the country.' The two discuss the pros and cons of foreign ownership and whether they think it will ever come to pass for real. As for now, if you are a foreigner and want to own your home in Thailand, it's condos or trusting your Thai spouse.:) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

In a show fueled by a visit by Greg's mother, the guys discuss first impressions of Bangkok, and whether or not they have become jaded as long term expats. Greg includes a short interview with his mom, but bases the show on all of her insights over the last few weeks as a relative newbie in Bangkok. First, Greg mentions that his mom finds Thailand very colorful, whether it's clothes, art, taxis, or restaurants. At first the guys are a bit skeptical, but as they run through the examples they realize that Ma's got a point. Next, the boys discuss the newbie take that Thailand is filled with individualism and creativity. On this point, Ed disagrees directly, noting the number of shops and restaurants that are essentially copies of each other, but Greg notes that his mom was focusing on fashion and art, with many small boutiques and stalls focusing on small collections of uniquely designed products. The next issue gets a general agree from both Greg and Ed as his mom has been struck by how consistently friendly Thais are. Yup! Last, Greg brings up that his mom really appreciated the exotic and varied architecture of Thailand. Ed agrees that it is eclectic no doubt, but also points out that in places it can be a random hodge podge. In short, any long-term expat could do with a "dose of Mom" and learn to appreciate the little things Bangkok has to offer when they start to fade into the background. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed interviews Max and Jo Hellier of Root the Future, a small social enterprise based in Bangkok that promotes sustainable living and plant-based diets. Max and Jo begin with their origin story: Jo, a vegan and former model, and Max, a 'video dude,' developed a business concept for a boutique hotel in Thailand that had to be abandoned during COVID. Subsequently, they combined their talents and started producing social media content expressing their concerns over climate change and their preference for a plant-based diet. One thing led to another and soon 'Root the Future' was born. (Don't ask about the name - just roll with it.) Their Instagram-friendly content soon developed a large following among expats in Thailand, and over time they developed relationships with Thai partners, including vegan restaurants and local producers of plant-based food. Max and Jo explain that their driving ethos is 'accessibility': showing that being planet friendly is quite an easy thing to do, simply by moving what you eat more in the direction of plants as opposed to animal products. The couple discuss their love of Thai food and how easily it can be converted to being wholly vegan, the pros and cons of 'jay' food in Thai culture and society, and their promotion of sustainability 'markets' that, god forbid, are NOT the same as farmer's markets. Check into their Instagram feed at instagram.com/rootthefuture/ or their website at www.rootthefuture.com to see some quality planet-loving content by two expats in Thailand. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed discuss a topic first brought up in a bonus show back in season 2: what to do about taxi drivers who won't take you where you want to go? Although there are no doubt many larger problems in Thailand, on a day to day basis, perhaps recalcitrant taxi drivers are the most annoying. Ed runs through a gamut of possible solutions. The first is simply to somehow enforce the current law, which already requires taxis to accept all riders. The guys admit that simple enforcement may be the biggest obstacle to overcome, because no solution is viable without it. But Ed has some twists that could be added to the current regulations. Why not have two types of cabs, one that must accept all riders that gets paid at a higher rate, and one that can deny riders but gets a lower rate? Greg and Ed debate the pros and cons of this solution. Another option would be to simply allow drivers to switch the color of their light during the last hour of their ride, signally that they now have the right to refuse riders. Greg then brings up one of Ed's old ideas, to put a QR code on all taxis that would allow for a proper feedback system for all cabs in Bangkok. That way before getting in, you would know the driver's reputation for accepting riders. Are these ideas all pie in the sky? Well, maybe, but as that old great funk song says, you have to free your mind before your ass can follow. :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Tim Koncewicz from electric tuk-tuk company MuvMi to chat about their mission to provide a safe and environmentally clean alternative to gas-powered tuk-tuks. Unlike normal taxis and old-school automobiles (pfft), MuvMi focuses on 'microtransit,' which means moving people within local communities instead of across town. So MuvMi might take you from one part of your neighborhood to a nearby location, or to the BTS or MRT for a longer ride. The company already has 300 vehicles around Bangkok and hopes to expand to 600 by the end of the year. Greg asks Tim a number of questions about what obstacles the company has faced, where and how they charge their vehicles, dealing with competition, what it's like dealing with Bangkok's, er…somewhat rambunctious existing groups of transportation drivers, and educating customers about the service which not only doesn't include long trips but also involves ridesharing, in which others may join along in your ride if they are going in the same direction. The guys continue by delving into further details of this fascinating business model which could possibly be on the cusp of a revolution in transportation options in Bangkok, a revolution which no doubt is sorely needed. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed bare their souls with 'expat confessions': things in Thailand they are embarrassed to say they have never seen or done, but that they should have, given their years in the Kingdom. Ed begins by admitting he's never travelled to Laos, Burma or Malaysia, despite them being right next door and highly recommended. Greg talks about some of his trips and agrees, it's a pretty startling omission, especially Laos, which almost everyone agrees is worth a visit. Ed vows to make it right. Greg confesses he's never been to legendary late night establishment Wong's, which may have lost some of its luster but which used to be a MUST go - just not for Greg, apparently. Ed follows that he's never been to Sukhothai, despite his love of ancient temples and all the photography opportunities. Greg then talks about never having scuba dived, even though it is on the list of almost all expats and a lot of tourists. Ed discusses his PADI class and argues that it lives up to the hype. Ed last laments he's never been to Pai, even though it's the hippie capital of Thailand and therefore the home of his tribe. Greg talks about his adventures there many years ago filming a movie. Greg finishes up by confessing that he's never taken a Thai cooking class or even cooked Thai food. Not everyone likes to cook, but in twenty years one would think Greg could have gotten around to it. To the kitchen! We close with some confessions from our listeners, ranging from khlong boats to muay Thai to temples. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Buddhist scholar Justin McDaniel on the topic of Buddhism amulets. Justin is a true scholar of religion, especially Asian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, but he developed a strong interest in Buddhist amulets after he visited Thailand for the first time when he was a young man. Greg asks Justin what actually makes an amulet special, and Justin goes into a lengthy explanation of the 'recipes' and 'ingredients' that go into an amulet's construction, from very specific types of soil to various prayers and incantations that are made when it is created. Some amulets even contain flakes of gold from statues of famous monks or in some cases, even the blood of the monk himself. Greg and Justin continue and discuss such interesting topics as how the value of amulets is determined, the relationship between amulets and relics, the role that myth and mystery play in the popularity of amulets, and the sometimes crass commercialization in the amulet industry. Listen in for a fascinating discussion with a true expert in a rarely studied field. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Every Bangkok newbie has places that are near and dear to them, and which play a role in their early days of getting settled and finding your groove in Bangkok. Greg and Ed discuss some of these Bangkok institutions that meant a lot to them in their early days, but have since been torn down and paved over. Ed notes that Bangkok is famous for turnover in the restaurant and bar space, but certain places do stand the test of time: Saxophone Pub on Victory Monument for example. Unfortunately, a bunch of places Greg and Ed THOUGHT they would be enjoying forever subsequently closed. Ed begins by discussing the somewhat eccentric Check Inn 99, a 'cabaret'-style bar that used to be on Sukhumvit between Soi 3 and 5. An entire show would be needed to explain its unique place in Bangkok nightlife; suffice it to say both Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra once partied there. Greg then talks about the classic pub The Dubliner, that seemed to embody all the positive traits that Irish pubs are famous for. Listen in to this somewhat nostalgic look at Bangkok of old as the guys discuss such fabled establishments as Woodstock bar in Nana Plaza, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Sukhumvit Soi Zero, and the grand Scala Theater. Can these places be replaced? Not exactly, but the guys discuss the available options. And for more nostalgic places from yesteryear, check out Justin Dunne's post on Twitter. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Khun Weena from the Thailand Clean Air Network, a guest who previously appeared on Episode 66 of Season 4, when Thailand was in the middle of a crazy air pollution crisis. Since then K. Weena and her organization have been hard at work preparing reports for the government on the status of air quality in Thailand. In fact, her group has recently finished a 700 page green paper outline solutions for the Thai government to pursue. Weena outlines the extensive research she helped organize to prepare the report, which involved consulting with experts in multiple fields and trying to find realistic solutions that suit different entities. She explains that the report outlines steps for the government and private sector companies to take, but also responsibilities that best lie with the general public. Greg compliments K. Weena on the almost insane comprehensiveness of the report, but plays devil's advocate: How do we know that the government will take the advice in the report seriously and actually make changes? K. Weena notes that their research focused on very actionable items, not pie-in-the-sky proposals that are politically infeasible. Further, air pollution in Thailand exacts massive costs on the public in the form of increased health care costs, and smart politicians who want to win elections should realize that people don't want to get sick and go broke on their treatment. Listen in for further discussion of Thailand's air quality issues with a true professional. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed open up a can of snakes (this is Thailand after all) and discuss whether Thailand is a 'woke-free' zone. The guys begin by realizing that the word 'woke' itself does not have a very clear meaning. Depending on who you are, 'woke' could mean a woman being paid the same as a man, being cool with varied genders, races, and religions, or someone who has taken victimhood to an extreme and become worse than the problem it's trying to solve. That being said, the guys do have some takes. Ed thinks that in many ways Thailand will prove to be immune to the extreme forms of 'wokeness,' simply because Thais by their nature do not take offense very easily. As has been discussed many times on the podcast, Thais are very easy going by nature and tend to laugh off almost everything, outside of a few narrowly defined 'no go' zones. It's hard to play the victim card if you simply don't care much what people say or do and leave them to their devices. Greg largely concurs and notes that Thailand has been making progress in the reasonable areas of what some people consider 'woke,' such as women's, gay, and trans rights. Listen in for an interesting discussion of how a complex topic that has largely been restricted to western societies might be seen through a Thai lens. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

With interest in Thailand returning to pre-pandemic levels and the podcast getting an increasing number of emails asking for advice on living and working here, Greg interviews old acquaintance Amy Lefevre, a half-Thai British woman, on her unique career journey in Asia and what they've both learned about finding (and keeping!) a job in Bangkok. The two begin with the importance of language skills and the difficulty of competing with educated Thais who typically have decent English, and then segues into an interesting topic: Is it easy for foreigners to get jobs inside Thailand outside of the cliched fields of teacher, IT staff, NGO staff and digital nomad? Amy argues that in Bangkok, foreigners who work in these fields tend to socialize together, almost creating cliques that can be difficult to break into (or out of). Further, expats often hit a 'ceiling' in their late 20s or early 30s where they feel they cannot advance their careers without leaving Thailand. Greg notes that the Thai bureaucracy that governs expats in the end closes the off to the energy and creativity of thousands of foreigners who could be boosting the economy, employing locals, and injecting Thai society with new ideas that could really catapult the country into true first world status along with Singapore and Hong Kong. Listen in for an in depth discussion of the pros and cons of trying to make your career in the Land of Smiles. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed dive into the crowded App and Play stores to discuss the various phone apps that make living in Bangkok easier. Greg begins by giving props to our excellent listeners who submitted a whole bunch of recommendations - so much, in fact, that we simply weren't able to cover them all! Ed confesses that he relies primarily on Google Maps and Google Translate for countless day-to-day functions, but he mentions that he recently stumbled upon an app called BMA Traffic that has live feeds from traffic cameras around the city. Worth checking into as an addition to Google Maps traffic info. Greg then runs through a myriad of different applications from transportation apps such as Bolt, inDriver, and ViaBus to social apps such as Meetup and weather apps like Rainviewer and Ventusky, each of which make it easier to navigate the chaos of Bangkok and get to a worthy social event. Greg then notes numerous apps for ordering food, helping others find your exact location, and even identifying those cool-looking plants at Chatuchak Market that'll look great on your balcony. Although at least one listener longs for the old days pre-smartphone, when we had to figure everything out for ourselves, most of us would find that at least a few of these suggestions make life here just a little bit easier and more fun. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews James Fahn, the Executive Director of Internews' Earth Journalism Network. Greg begins by opening a discussion about James' book "A Land On Fire," which was published in 2003, after James worked as the environmental editor at The Nation newspaper in Bangkok in the 1990s. James explains that at The Nation, he wrote extensively about environmental issues in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including doing investigative reporting on corruption and corporate malfeasance that damaged the environment. James even tells a story of how he narrowly avoided interviewing a Burmese strong man who likely would have put James on his hit list. Greg then asks James about how Thailand has changed over time, and whether there is any reason to be optimistic. James notes several things that have gotten better, from public transportation to air pollution to public parks, but then also raises several areas where Thailand still needs a lot of work, such as protection of coral reefs and in the excessive use of plastic. Overall, however, James remains an optimistic, which we are certainly glad to hear at the Bangkok Podcast. James concludes by making his case that we don't have to choose between a free market that is pro-business and economic growth and a heavily regulated market that protects the environment at the expense of the economy. Experience in the States shows that preserving the environment can actually boost the economy if done right. Is James eligible to run for Thai Prime Minister? The Bangkok Podcast wants to know! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Ed reminisces on 22 years in Thailand and tries to summarize exactly why he has decided to stay for so long. It's hard to sum up, of course, but Ed manages to come up with five positives and three negatives, and Greg helps to clarify things as he goes along. On the positive side, Ed mentions Thailand's depth and variety, with many niches and subcultures that it would take a lifetime to explore. As Greg notes, if you are bored in Bangkok, the problem is not Bangkok. Ed also talks about how some things DO change and get better in Bangkok, despite frequent grumblings from most who live here - new weed laws, expanded public transportation and more public parks to name a few. In addition to other points, the boys also agree that there is a very supportive community of expats to ease foreigners' transition to living long term in the land of smiles. As for negatives, Ed cannot resist bringing up classic persistent problems in Thailand that NEVER seems to get properly addressed no matter how predictable they are (see Bangkok's recent floods) as well as the sad state of Thailand's bureaucracy that is NOT very expat friendly compared to other countries. Of course Ed's decision is clear: the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg interviews Jyri Järviaho, Finland's Ambassador to Thailand. Although Greg makes a valiant attempt at pronouncing the Ambassador's name, the two begin by discussing the difficulty of Finnish, with the Ambassador explaining that it is a unique language that it is completely different from its neighbors, especially its western ones, such as Germany and Sweden. Next, the Ambassador recounts his diplomatic journey from a small village in Finland to university and later to a job with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and eventually various diplomatic postings around Europe and central Asia. Suffice it to say, he's happy to be in the warm weather of Thailand. The Ambassador next tells the fascinating story of Thailand and Finland's first diplomatic contact. Finland's first ambassador to Asia was on a trip to establish relations with Japan when he received a telegram in Singapore indicating that the country of Siam had recognized Finland as it had recently declared independence from Russia. The intrepid ambassador then re-routed to Bangkok and managed to make the first diplomatic contact with a representative of the Thai government. The two men continue by discussing the rest of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, the trade in both goods and services, and the struggle by the Finnish Embassy to establish a unique identity in the eyes of the Thai people. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.