The Bangkok Podcast

Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating topic of old Western pop songs that enjoy a shocking degree of popularity in Thailand. For those foreigners who have spent any amount of time in the Land of Smiles, there are just certain songs you are likely to hear over and over again in restaurants and bars. Why these particular songs? Well, the guys just don't know, but do their best to offer some theories. The big three have to be "Hotel California," "Country Roads," and "I Will Survive." Greg suggests that the 1960s and 70s were a seminal period in Thai history when American pop culture was first being absorbed by Thais (see also the Cambodian surf rock sub-culture and its tragic end). Even though much more was to come, perhaps this first wave left an indelible impression on Thai society. Ed likes this explanation, but also suggests that Thais' penchant for folk and country pop and rock music may be due to their melodic catchiness and 'heart on the sleeve' sentimentality. Why else would Thais like a song about going back home to West Virginia? :) Ed also offers a specific theory about 'I Will Survive,' that it appeals to Thai women who are bound by Thai culture to be cute and smile no matter what, even though they may be struggling inside. Greg sees this point, but thinks it might be more due to the song's easy to understand lyrics and easy to sing along melody. The boys go through a number of other tunes that are oddly popular in Thailand, including songs by Credence Clearwater Revival, Stevie Ray Vaughn and even an old Hebrew folk song! Let us know what songs we missed and why you think they are so popular 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 finishes up his interview with linguist and raconteur Stu Ja Raj. Stu begins with a classic: the super annoying fact that the Thai numbers 11 and 18 can be very difficult for foreigners to pronounce correctly. Stu explains in detail the small differences in tongue placement that make such a difference to Thai ears. This segues into a discussion of the ultra-common word 'kap khun kap' and how even this basic word for 'thank you' is often mispronounced by foreigners. Stu next explains the concept of 'kham puan,' which is a Thai word for a type of pun or slang that involves switching around the order of consonants or vowels in Thai to create funny or indirect phrases for inappropriate (or indecent) things. More or less Stu brings us into the Matrix of the creative use of the Thai language by native speakers, as if learning 'straight' Thai wasn't already hard enough. Greg follows with some of his own hilarious missteps (quite literally, as he stepped on a sea urchin but described it in Thai in a wildly inappropriate manner). Listen in for a fascinating walk through the minefield that is the Thai language. Want more? Check out Stu on YouTube. 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 our old pal Stu Jay Raj - linguist, polyglot, and true Renaissance man. As you would expect, the topic is the Thai language and foreigners' struggle to learn it properly, but with a focus on the trouble you can get into if you don't understand how tones work. Stu begins with an important point: the nature of English allows a fair amount of flexibility in pronunciation and accent without sacrificing intelligibility, whereas Thai does not. In short, 'getting close' to correct Thai is often not good enough, leading to frustration among foreigners who don't understand why Thais cannot figure out what they are saying. Greg gives Stu a few examples of difficulties he has faced, starting with the pronunciation of the popular street "Charoen Krung." It turns out even something so short and seemingly simple is not so, and even if a foreigner's tones are correct, a slight mispronunciation of the vowels can confound native speakers. Greg then brings up a common Thai curse word and the shocked reaction of Thais to any foreigner who uses it. Stu goes into an in depth explanation of close Thai relationships that allow a casualness with language that is very difficult to replicate as a foreigner. The two continue discussing the Thai language minefield with Stu dropping many pearls of wisdom along the way. Listen in next week for Part 2 of this interview. 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.

As is tradition, Greg and Ed spend the first episode of the brand new season 6 (!) looking back, looking forward, and discussing podcasting as a whole. When Greg and Tony first started speaking into their panty hose-covered mics (seriously) in 2010 they had no idea they'd be laying the groundwork for such a long-running show. From the days of hauling gear to a rented room to record face to face, to taking advantage of online recording and discovering new ways to streamline the workflow and work with new digital tools, it's been one big learning experience. The boys also discuss why they think season 6 will be a particularly interesting one, as Thailand comes face-to-face with some pretty big issues that can't be ignored, and the world (hopefully) starts to come back to spend money at bars, hotels, beaches and malls and help Thailand get back on its feet. They also manage to complain about their lack of coverage by the New York Times and premier a new segment called Would You Rather. Here's to a brand new season! 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 the last episode of Season 5, Greg interviews Samaporn Teeravechyan, also known as Dr. Joy. Dr. Joy works at the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, essentially the arm of the Thai government that focuses on scientific research. She explains that her expertise is in virology, and that she received her Phd in the United States after moving around the world as a child. Currently, Dr. Joy's focus is on the development of a nasal vaccine for COVID-19. Greg asks Dr. Joy why Thailand is not particularly well known for scientific research and that leads to an extensive discussion of the issue. First, although things have gotten better, the total amount of funding for research and development provided by the Thai government is significantly less than in Western countries. Second, to make matters even worse, her field relies on specimens and materials only available in the U.S., and due to transportation and customs costs, Thai labs have to pay more. Add to that all the delays involved, even though virological research is often very time sensitive. Last, Thailand's political instability makes funding even more uncertain, so you can clearly see the types of obstacles Thai researchers face compared to more developed countries. Next, Greg questions Dr. Joy about the specifics of her current research on an intra-nasal vaccine for COVID-19, and why such a vaccine may prove superior to the current ones on the market. The two finish off their discussion with a few very exciting and promising lines of research currently being conducted in labs funded by the Thai government. 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.

Bangkok's a big city that's got her own rules. You can try to fight them, but in the end, in certain situations, no matter how much you beg and plead, Bangkok wins, and you lose. Greg and Ed discuss ten ways Bangkok can own you: frustrating 'gotchas' that are devilishly difficult to avoid. Even veterans of the city with tons of experience still sometimes forget the nuance or fail to think about the what-ifs and end up standing there like a fool, muttering under their breath. This still definitely happens with Greg and Ed, so if you don't want to get burned on your next visit to Thailand, keep these in mind - learned from cold, hard experience. From sidewalk squirts and freezing aircon to improper documentation and lack of change in a taxi, Greg and Ed recount multiple ways you can get 'got' in the Land of Smiles. Sometimes you beat Bangkok, but sometimes the city owns YOU. 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 Emily from Calgary, Canada, a unique 'expat' in Thailand if there ever was one. Emily was born 19 years ago in Nong Khai, Thailand, to a Canadian father and Thai mother, and spent the first years of her life as a look-kreung kid in Issaan. But her parents relocated to Calgary where she quickly assimilated and became a full-on Canadian. She went to grade school and high school there, only to have her parents retire back to Nong Khai earlier this year, with Emily in tow. Ed asks Emily about her Thai language abilities, and Emily explains that it's technically her first language and that her mother has spoken to her in Thai her whole life. However, after about 4 years in Canada, Emily somehow lost her ability to speak Thai, and today feels little better than a beginner. The two discuss how weird it is for Emily to see her Thai family but to be unable to speak to them, forcing her to communicate largely in sign language. But never fear - she's hopeful that she'll get it back soon. Emily also talks about her early life in Thailand where she was praised as 'the million baht child' because, as half-white, she would qualify for a huge dowry if she ever were to marry a Thai man. But upon moving to Canada, Emily states that her status as half-Asian in pasty white Alberta was considerably less than what she had grown up with. Ed and Greg discuss parallels to Greg's own son, and Ed mentions that Emily was actually born with blue eyes before they turned brown after a few days. And lo and behold! Something similar happened to Greg's son. See the photo below of Greg's darling boy a few months after he was born. Listen in for a fascinating discussion of double-reverse culture shock (or something). 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 new concept, Greg and Ed discuss various Bangkok 'Firsts' in an effort to improve their knowledge of the city's history and development. Loosely based on a trivia format the guys go back and forth asking each other about key milestones in Thai history, some quite significant, with others just quirky or interesting. Starting with shopping malls and bridges and moving on to airports and politics, Greg and Ed go back and forth asking each other about some of the more notable events in the history of the city. Who had the first embassy? Where was the first movie theater or McDonalds? Do you know what year Thailand first won Miss Universe or its first Olympic medal? We challenge you to see if you can come up with the right answers before we do. That is…when we do manage to come up with the right answers…which isn't all the time. If you want to see if you're right, you're gonna have to listen to the show! :) 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 the Luxembourgian Ambassador to Thailand, Jean-Paul Senninger. As a diplomat with a long list of postings around the world, from his home base at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Washington, D.C., Spain, Turkey and finally Bangkok, where he is the chief diplomat for several Southeast Asian nations. Jean-Paul talks about the difficulty of juggling differences of developed countries such as Singapore and Thailand with struggling countries such as Laos and Myanmar but admits that being based in Bangkok, with its friendly people and comfortable climate is a sweet gig. Next, the two talk about the history of relations between Thailand and Luxembourg. Because of Luxembourg's diminutive size, there have been no problems in the past between the two countries, but in modern times, the country's position in the center of Europe and as part of the European Union make it an ideal trading partner for Thailand. The Ambassador notes that Luxembourg actually runs the largest cargo shipping company in the world as well as one of the world's largest satellite companies, seemingly outperforming what one would expect from such a small country, which is only marginally bigger than Bangkok itself. Listen in to the rest of the interview as Ambassador Senninger addresses other issues such as Luxembourg's investment in green energy and what all countries, regardless of size or leadership type, should work toward attaining. 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 the recent decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand, the recent changes around town it's caused, and whether or not they think it will last. First, Ed does a quick interview with our resident Weed Expert, Kitty Chopaka, who is both a 'ganjapreneur' and social activist. Kitty explains that the current situation is somewhat of a 'technical foul,' as the cannabis plant itself was delisted as a narcotic with the intent for it to be regulated by a new law, but that new law is still being debated in parliament. Hence, for the time being, all parts of the cannabis plant itself, including high THC flowers, is untouched by the law, sparking cannabis shops to pop up around town and online. Kitty talks about where she thinks (and hopes) the law will end up and warns about the dangers of misuse during this interim period that could cause the conservative authorities to panic and re-tighten things up. In the meantime, if you have the desire, you can check out Kitty's shop Chopaka near the corner of Sukhumvit and Asoke. Greg and Ed discuss what this change could mean for Thailand in general and the future of tourism. The guys also discuss what it means for people - like Greg - who don't smoke cannabis, and the short answer is 'not much,' unless possibly Greg's creaking bones could benefit from some low-THC cannabis products in the future. In a special bonus, Greg has a quick chat with his mother-in-law who waxes nostalgically about her childhood when cannabis plants were common in neighborhood gardens and traditional Thai dishes. 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 Greg's recent interview with uber-expat Christopher G. Moore, author, raconteur, and general man-about-town. In true Renaissance guy fashion, the two men jump from topic to topic, each more interesting than the next. First, Greg asks Chris about how translations of his books are undertaken, and Chris tells a fascinating story of how the length of the translations of his novels in China are arbitrarily set by the Communist Central Committee. You'd think they'd have better things to do. :) Next, Chris relates his origin story and how he saved his first apartment from becoming a toothbrush factory. (No, this is not made up.) Through various serendipitous occurrences, Chris managed to stay in the apartment for more than twenty years with a very low rent, allowing him to build his career as a novelist. This segues into a discussion of the evolution of fitness and gym culture over the last thirty years, with both guys giving theories to explain Thais' adoption of the western phenomenon. The conversation continues with the senior expats trading stories back and forth about the changing physical and cultural landscape of Bangkok, and a story about women's underwear that's good advice for those who want to avoid being cursed. 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 Christopher G. Moore, long-time friend of the podcast and senior Bangkok expat, known for his extensive fiction and non-fiction writing as well as his legendary conversational skills. Chris begins by relating his recent short film project, a Bangkok noir featuring his most famous character, Vincent Calvino and what it takes to bring a fictional character to life in Bangkok, a city that's a character all of its own. Greg and Chris discuss his writing career and 17 (!) Vincent Calvino novels, the last of which came out in 2020 and addresses how climate change might affect Bangkok in the near future. This leads to a discussion of another of Chris's passion projects, the CCCL Film Festival dedicated to young Thai filmmakers who want to tell stories about how climate change impacts their communities. The boys then get nostalgic and trade stories of how much Bangkok has changed over the years, especially when compared to the 90s when no one had cell phones and the MRT was but a dream? Greg tries to keep up, but must bend the knee to one of the giants of the expat world, who very few people can rival for their knowledge of Bangkok over the decades. Listen in next week for Part 2 of Greg's interview with uber-expat Chris! 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 pull together all their accumulated wisdom about Thai culture and society into six pithy theories to aid expats and tourists alike. Ed begins with his classic 'Universal Theory of Thailand," that everything good in the country comes from Thais being so nice, and that everything bad in the country ALSO comes from Thais being so nice. The guys discuss how true this is, before Greg drops his own grand theory that nothing gets improved in Thailand until it becomes embarrassing for Thailand internationally. The boys realize that if a charity or NGO was REALLY smart, they would spend their money on some ultra-famous influencer like Kim Kardashian to harp about some social ill in Thailand. The government would get right on it! Ed follows with his idea that you can say anything you want to a Thai person, as long as you are smiling while you are doing it. Greg then brings up some VERY practical advice for safety on the streets of Bangkok, and Ed finishes with the irony of how rules work in Thailand, usually not mattering but then eventually REALLY mattering. Then guest of the show Jon concludes with his 'range of the acceptably wrong' theory to help tourists and expats manage expectations in the Land of Smiles. This may be the episode of the Bangkok Podcast with the most wisdom and insight per minute! 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 Paul Spurrier, a British expat in Thailand who has been in the film industry his entire life. Paul begins at the beginning, how his first movie ever in a movie theater was "The Sound of Music," and it had such an impact on him that he decided to become an actor (at age 8!). After a prolific career as a child on stage and screen, including films with stars such as Richard Harris, Richard Burton and Roger Moore, he decided he didn't want to re-invent himself as an adult actor and instead went to film school. His film education luckily included virtually all aspects of filmmaking from writing to lighting to directing to editing. This eventually led Paul to start his own production company in London where he worked on a variety of commercial products. Eventually on a whim he took a short-term job in Thailand, but fell so in love with the place that he closed up his company and made the full move to the Land of Smiles to continue his career as a filmmaker here. Ed and Paul discuss what it's like to be a farang filmmaker in Thailand, as well as Paul's unusual choice of making most of his films in the Thai language. The guys also address the question of whether Thai audiences really are that different from audiences around the world, and discuss a few funny stories about assimilating into a new culture. Listen in for the full interview with one of the most interesting expats in Thailand and check out links to some of his films on IMDB, like P, The Forest, Eullenia or The Maestro. 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 leads a discussion and semi-rant about a persistent myth regarding the history of prostitution in Thailand that was recently perpetuated by a YouTube video by Thaiger. The myth goes like this: prostitution wasn't much of a thing in Thailand until the Vietnam War era, when the demand created by American GIs on rest and relaxation resulted in a booming sex industry. Ugh. Where to start? Well, first of all, prostitution is called the oldest profession in the world for a reason, and there's clear evidence of the industry existing in Thailand many hundreds of years before the Vietnam War. Second, many studies have revealed the well-known fact that the bulk of prostitution in Thailand has Thai men as the clientele, not foreigners. And last but not least, what about the Thai women (and men) who populate the sex industry, the bar owners, and the landowners? Are they not Thai? The guys discuss the Thaiger video and praise it for what it gets right, namely the Thai government's promotion of condom use in the 1980s and the serious steps to eradicate sex trafficking that occurred in the 1990s. But alas, no matter how many times certain myths are debunked, the one that says foreigners are the major driver behind the sex industry in Thailand never seems to die. :( 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.

Because the first show was so fun to do - and full of great listener-generated ideas! - Greg and Ed revisit the idea of expat 'merit badges,' a recognition of classic experiences in Thailand that indicate you are more than just a tourist. I mean, try to come to Thailand as a tourist and not eat bugs, that's easy-peasy! We're talking about real skills or achievements that show you've not only been here for a while, but have actually gone out of your comfort zone to learn and get your hands dirty. So to speak. The guys go back and forth, discussing ten new ways to 'level up' your expat street cred. Examples include dressing down for formal events, Thai style, understanding the Thai system of measurements, as in 'rai' and 'wa,' knowing Thai years, especially for your date of birth, being able to recognize or speak a little bit of a Thai dialect, and knowing the formally proper way to give alms to a monk. Greg and Ed talk about their own ability at each one, and then go through even more experiences that prove you are not a noob in Thailand. Listen in for all the details and see where you rank among your expat peers! 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 expat legend Chris Baker, co-author (along with his wife Pasuk Phongpaichit) of A History of Thailand, in addition to several other well-known books on Thailand. Greg and Ed gush over the fact they have both read Chris's most famous work, something that every serious expat needs to do at some point. Chris begins by relating the lovely story of meeting his wife in England and subsequently relocating to Thailand where he worked a variety of jobs before settling down and co-writing a book with her on the economy and politics of Thailand in the 1990s. He explains his fascinating relationship with his wife, which involves extensive arguing over the subject matter of their books, while somehow preserving their personal relationship. The guys joke that this is perhaps Chris's greatest accomplishment. Chris continues with the story of his most famous book, A History of Thailand, how it came about and he and his wife's shock and amazement at its best-seller status. Chris explains that a new, updated fourth edition is close to release, so all Bangkok Podcast listeners now have their summer reading assignment! Greg and Ed prod Chris for his thoughts on recent events in Thailand, and Chris gives his insightful take on the last few years. Thankfully, Chris agrees to return to the podcast for future shows. We can't wait! :) 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.

It's Greg's turn for some reverse culture shock as he relates his return to Thailand from the Great White North of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Ed first notes the differences between his situation and Greg's: he still has family in Ohio, while Greg's family are no longer there. Plus, Ed's habits tend towards the international, such as Starbucks and Subway, so he can feel at home around the world. For Greg though, Calgary is really another place entirely, especially in the winter, and he reacted similarly to Ed in Ohio: Why do human beings even live in this environment? Apparently, twenty years in the tropics changes a man. The boys then discuss some of the big differences noted on Greg's trip, from dull malls and rough-looking locals (something Ed noticed on his trip too) to the abundance of weed dispensaries and the sheer joy of bantering with waitstaff in your own language. Listen in for some deep thoughts on being a stranger in a strange land that used to be 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.

Anyone who has been to Thailand knows the old "Ohhh, the temple is closed today, why don't you come with me to this gem store?" Despite warnings in literally every bit of content about traveling to Thailand, thousands still fall prey to this scam every year. But why?? To answer this we are joined by Ding Xu, a PhD candidate in tourism at Australia's James Cook University. Ding's research goes deep into understanding the culture, economy and psychology of the tourism industry as well as the tourists themselves. Putting hundreds of hours of study into the scams that are so prevalent around the world, Ding has a unique insight into not only how and why the scams are put together, but what causes a large number of tourists to part with money - sometimes a lot of money! - based on the advice of a random dude they met in a foreign country. Ding explains the four features that his research identified in being central to any scam - deception types, interpersonal trust, victim culpability and prevalence - to dissect how and why these scams are so ubiquitous. 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.

Thanks to a suggestion from a listener Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating topic of games that are common - if not unique - to Thailand. Both guys have some familiarity with some games played in public such as 'takraw,' but many of the others are part of this strange world called 'Thai culture' that the guys apparently don't actually know that well. Greg begins with a children's game in which one child sings a song while counting by syllable on another child's hand. When the singer stops on a finger, that finger is taken out of the game. The child with the last finger in is the winner. Greg even plays a cute clip of a video of the game. Next, Greg explains a Thai game very similar to the Western game of 'jacks,' which although relatively unplayed by children back home, still lives on in a Thai derivative. The boys then go deep into the Thai version of chess, called makruk (หมากรุก), which utilizes the same board and pieces but with modifying moving rules for each piece. This game is a quite famous pastime of Thai motorcycle riders, who can often be seen playing the game on the side of the road while awaiting customers. It should be noted that Ed's friend - a noted chess lover - was broken by makruk, giving up in frustration after trying to tame the wild beast. Greg continues with several more Thai games, from the crazy sport of takraw, which is kind of like soccer and volleyball mixed together with a wicker ball, to bizarre practices such as beetle fighting, popular in the Northeast, and a game where you throw seeds with your knees. We also check in with a friend of Greg's who owns Golden Goblin Games to hear about the role-playing side of things. 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 our old friend and recurring guest Phra Pandit, about public speaking as a Buddhist monk. Beginning with some public speaking basics, such as the three things that really matter when you give a speech: what you have to say, who you are, and how you deliver, our venerable friend emphasizes that how you deliver a speech is what you have the most control over and is also completely separate from the content. Using Trump as an example, he explains that Trump's public speaking technique was excellent, even though he was turned off by the message. Next, Phra Pandit discusses the different types of speeches in Thai Buddhism, from the informal to the more formal. Interestingly, the more formal the speech, the more robotic the delivery is supposed to be, given that the content is supposed to be pure Buddhism as opposed to your own views or personality. But even in informal talks, humor and laughter is supposed to be avoided as can be seen in the recent hullabaloo over two Thai monks doing a stand up comedy routine. Phra Pandit continues with some more great advice for speakers of all types and concludes with some very funny stories about trying to teach Asian monks, who are almost guaranteed to be shy, the secret to overcoming the fear of talking in front of a crowd. 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 the wake of the 2022 World Happiness Report - which saw Thailand drop by quite a few spots - Greg and Ed jump into the fascinating topic of the happiness of Thailand compared to other countries. How can you possibly measure something like the 'happiness' of a country? Well, wannabe social scientist Ed claims it can be done, and Greg walks through the data from the report to discuss. The boys go through factors such as GDP per capita, social support, and life expectancy, among others, that the researchers used to figure out how happy people were in various countries. So what of Thailand? Well, its ranking was 61 out of 146 countries which could be worse, but it turns out Thailand has slid 28 spots in the last few years! Ouch. The guys then discuss various possible reasons for the drop, with of course the military government being a prime candidate, given that Thailand's long slide started in around 2015. Could Thailand possibly no longer be the Land of Smiles? Well, at the very least, the hosts of the Bangkok Podcast are still smiling, so Thailand has that going for it. :) 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 Dax Ward, an adventurous photographer best known for his beautiful photos of dilapidated buildings and abandoned places. Dax begins by explaining that he was a very late starter to photography, getting a DSLR for the first time in 2015. After a random trip to the airplane graveyard down Ramkhamhaeng Road, he developed an affinity for shooting forgotten and abandoned places. As it turns out, Thailand (and Bangkok in particular) are perfect places for this style of photography due to the number of unfinished construction projects from the financial crisis of the late 1990s. Additionally, there seem to be a surprising number of new business ventures in the area that fail for whatever reason or another, so there seems to be an endless supply of possible sites for Dax's style of photography. The guys discuss how Dax discovers and gains access to his locations. It's surprising what a couple hundred baht here and there will do to the attitude of many Thai security guards! Dax then details his research methods and how he manages to build a compelling story around each set of photographs, something that many other photographers don't bother with. In a world where almost everyone has the technology in their pocket to take a decent photo, Thailand is lucky to have an intrepid, creative photographer like Dax to show us how to do things right. 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 tackle the uncomfortable topic of self-censorship in Thailand, especially as it pertains to the podcast itself, and the churning, roiling issue of what you can say, when, and how, which seem to be in the news every day. Although it is unfortunate, the reality of working and living in Thailand is that the laws and culture are not the same as back home in the U.S. and Canada. Obviously, this means no discussion of the monarchy, and Ed explains how he always advises visiting friends to simply avoid discussion of the monarchy and royal family in pretty much any context. This is good advice for all foreigners in Thailand actually. Second, the boys concur that although they do criticize the government broadly, they make sure not to name specific politicians or policymakers. Although technically no law forbids it, strong and pointed criticism of the Thai government has a way of ending up poorly for the critic, from sudden problems with your visa to (in extreme cases) outright disappearance. On a podcast that is not centered on political issues, it just ain't worth the risk, and while the guys feel comfortable critiquing the government broadly, that's about as far as they are willing to go. Last, Greg and Ed discuss Thailand's defamation laws, which work differently than the laws back home where 'truth' is more or less an absolute defense. In Thailand, even if you say something true, you can be found guilty of violating another person's privacy. As Ed put it, Thailand has a 'mind your own business' culture, as opposed to the 'speak truth to power' culture we have back home. All this being said, the guys admit that self-censorship is fairly rare and not really a problem for a podcast focused on the serious (and sometimes silly) aspects of living in Thailand as a foreigner. 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 consider the tricky question of Thailand's role in the global order. Sparked by a question from one of his students about what Thailand's response to the war in Ukraine should be, Ed realized that he's never really thought about the world from the perspective of the Thai government or even a Thai person. The guys do their best as non-Thais but long term expats to imagine what the world looks like to most Thais. Ed discusses King Rama V's clever diplomatic maneuverings between the French and the British in the 19th Century that kept Thailand from ever being colonized. Greg brings up the classic example of Prime Minister Phibul during WW2, who sided with Japan when it was winning the war, but also conducting negotiations with the West as the tide turned. As a developing country, it DOES seem that Thailand has spent a big part of its history stuck in between larger powers. The boys try to relate this to the current crisis in Ukraine, recognizing that as a country that depends on tourism, Thailand rightfully may not want to alienate Russian citizens. Even some prominent members of the democracy movement have cautioned Thais about taking sides in the conflict. However, others have urged that if Thailand wants to become a real democracy in the future, it must support emerging democracies abroad, such as Ukraine. As two Westerners at heart, the guys couldn't agree more! :) 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 Pat,' whose videos on Bangkok's historical secrets uncover the hidden layers of this fascinating city. Pat begins with a bit of personal background, growing up in the UK with a Thai mother, and eventually losing touch with that part of his history. Undeterred,in his early twenties, he made the move to Thailand to re-discover his lost roots. The guys discuss Pat's early days as a DJ in Bangkok's club scene, before getting into the issue of how to survive in Bangkok as a new foreigner (especially when getting bad advice from other foreigners). Next, Greg inquires about Pat's interest in history and how he got into making videos about Bangkok. A history lover since childhood, he developed a curiosity for different Bangkok neighborhoods, and due to Covid, felt an online approach would be most suitable. Due to a few lucky shares, even his earliest videos developed a following. The boys continue with a deep dive into a few of Pat's most successful videos, and they trade advice on the best research strategies, and what makes Bangkok such a great city to get lost in. 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 the significance of the recent decision by the Thai parliament to accept a change to the official English name of Bangkok that was proposed by the Royal Society of Thailand. Initially, it was announced as a major change from 'Bangkok' to 'Krung Thep Maha Nakhon,' (that's กรุงเทพมหานคร for you Thai readers), but Greg clarifies that the change really was just a matter of punctuation. Nevertheless, the announcement kicked off a huge debate on social media over what Thailand's capital should really be called, as it's an issue fraught with a surprising amount of subtext, as this great thread from Khun Phacha will show. Ed notes initially that the word 'Bangkok' is not a word made up by Westerners, but an old word for a district of the old capital of Thonburi. Greg points out that Bangkok has been used for centuries and is extremely well known around the world so it's a bit strange for the change to be made now. The guys also discuss proper pronunciation of places, as most countries have the 'international name' (ie, Germany, Thailand and Sweden) and the 'local name' (as in Deutschland, Meuang Thai, and Sverige). Read more about this interesting concept with the name of Laos in this great post by Tim. In the end, the guys prefer to keep the podcast 'The Bangkok Podcast' instead of going through the trouble of renaming it 'The Krung Thep Maha Nakorn Podcast.' Lazy as always! 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.

One of the great things about Thai culture is the many facets that make up the whole. One of them is the Indian community, and Greg is happy to welcome Ram Sachdev, a first generation Thai-Indian and founder of Masala Magazine, a leading voice of the Thai-Indian community, to talk about it. We begin by going over the many historical cultural connections between India and Thailand, from Sanskrit's influence on Thai language to Buddhism's origin in India, in addition to the myriad Thai holidays which can be traced back to ancient Indian celebrations. No doubt the Indian influence on Thai culture is more than it might appear on the surface, and more than most Thais might admit. Ram then expertly describes the Indian diaspora to Malaysia and later Thailand that resulted from the partition of India after World War II. This leads to a discussion of Thai-Indian identity in Thailand, which K. Ram contends is still misunderstood. This includes a discussion of the common word used by Thais for South Asians, "khaek". Another common misconception is to group Hindu Indians along with Malaysia Muslims. Greg and K. Ram discuss the struggle of Thai-Indians to be recognized as truly Thai, but also of Hindu Indian descent. The conversation continues to cover many aspects of Indian-Thai life in Thailand, revealing Thailand to be a society that is more multicultural than most people realize. 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.

As Thailand starts to get back to bid-ness, there will likely be a whole lot of n00bs coming in to tour, work and live. Most who have been here for a while already remember what an overwhelming experience Bangkok was in the early days, and how helpful it was to make a network of friends that you could turn to for advice. Of course, not all advice is great, especially when you're talking with random people about how your new foreign home works. We think it's fair to say that most advice you get is subjective and can probably be taken with a grain of salt, but some advice…some advice is gold, and should be locked away for further investigation. Greg and Ed take a look back at their early days in the Kingdom and each come up with 2 bits of advice that they got that they did not lock away for further investigation, and now - in their wise old age - regret. From dating to geography, sometimes it pays to listen to old-timers to make the most of your new situation. 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 recount the fascinating story of George DuPont, the only Thai person who fought in the American Civil War. The first record of George in the U.S. is in 1859, but almost nothing is known of how or why he ended up in the United States. We know that in 1862 he volunteered for a New Jersey regiment to fight for the North in the American Civil War. Shockingly, he fought in and survived the battles of Antietam, Chancellorville, and Gettysburg, three of the bloodiest battles of the war. He was eventually naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1869. He subsequently returned to Thailand, or Siam as it was known, and worked a variety of jobs, from writer for an English language newspaper to a drillmaster to a timber dealer. He died at age 56, and you can still see his grave in the Bangkok Protestant Cemetery on Charoen Krung 72/5. George DuPont represents a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early Thai immigrants to America. Greg and Ed surmise that there must have been immigrants before him, equally or more interesting! One way or another, we'll find them and tell their stories on the Bangkok Podcast. :) 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 Benjamin Lord, an American who moved to Asia straight out of college at NYU. He is on the show to discuss life as a gay man in Thailand. After spending several years in Vietnam, where the pressure to hide his status was suffocating, he eventually relocated to Bangkok. At first, the prevalence of gay bars, trans people, and apparent acceptance of a gay lifestyle led Benjamin to believe that Thailand was a kind of gay paradise, a moniker often placed on the Land of Smiles. However, over the years he has developed a much subtler view of the acceptance of homosexuality in Thai society. Although Benjamin doesn't fear for his physical safety in the same way he did in his birthplace of Arkansas, he is now aware that many Thai families stick to 'traditional values' and reject and may even disown their own children who are gay or trans. Further, the lack of true legal equality for LGBTQ people in Thailand has become more apparent in many ways, the most obvious of which was the recent Constitutional Court decision that stated that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Greg and Benjamin discuss the reaction of the LGBTQ community to the ruling and how a lack of 'positive rights' demonstrates that Thailand really is a very conservative society in many ways, regardless of the 'niceness' on the surface. 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 Ed being stuck in the US, he relates ten experiences he has had during his stay in Ohio that he doesn't think he would ever have in Thailand, introducing them with his characteristic wit and charm. (Ed wrote this). From overly aggressive nazi guards at the airport to overly aggressive kindness from fellow shoppers, and all the way down to Covid carelessness, vaxxers of all types, and the sweet, sweet siren call to consume, consume, consume at all costs. While some of them may be trivial or only be special in Ed's bizarre consciousness, the boys do their best to tease out truths about American and Thai culture and interesting insights into American society. At the very least, Ed's been on an adventure that should be of interest to anyone who cares about the fascinating differences between the West and 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 interviews Phra Pandit, the resident Bangkok Podcast expert on all things Buddhism, about negative emotions such as anxiety and anger and how Buddhism deals with them. Displaying his deep knowledge of Western psychology, Phra Pandit begins first by discussing the Freudian approach to anxiety, which separates out reasonable negative emotions from neuroticism, which is defined as anxiety that is irrational or inappropriate given the context. Greg brings up the sometimes casual attitude that Thais seem to have towards death, and Phra Pandit explains that the Buddha taught his followers to contemplate death and even encouraged monks to meditate in cemeteries and in close proximity to corpses. By addressing the issue of our physical death so directly, Buddhism aims to give us perspective on day to day annoyances, such as getting coffee that's lukewarm instead of hot. :) The old friends continue with a wide ranging discussion of the differences between how westerners and Thais deal with traumatic events and negative emotions, and Phra Pandit weaves his general knowledge of human psychology in with his very deep and specific knowledge of Thai culture and Buddhism. 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.

It's a COVID Christmas Craptacular! The guys discuss all the ways that COVID has made the holiday season difficult for expats and travelers to Thailand. To start things off, Greg plays a quick conversation with podcast supporter Ash, who is now more or less locked out of Thailand due to the recent tightening of restrictions. So much for planning ahead! Next, Ed details his absolutely epic adventure to Ohio. Despite a successful last-minute scramble to get the right health insurance and beat the deadline for applying for a Thailand Pass, he managed to test positive for COVID on Christmas Eve! So much for spending Christmas with his family for the first time in 20 years. Despite no symptoms whatsoever, he tested positive a week later and is now unable to get back into Thailand under the new rules, so he is stuck in Ohio for the time being. Never fear: the Bangkok Podcast will go on as usual. Last, Greg plays a short conversation with Scott, sometime podcast co-host. Unlike Ed, Scott does not have COVID, but what he also doesn't have is a Thailand Pass, thanks to a lack of hotel paperwork. The result: he's stuck in Canada for the time being. Maybe Ed and Scott can have a locked out of Thailand party! Woo hoo! 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.

When Greg and guest-host Scott moved here at the turn of the century, Bangkok had about 22km of train lines (not counting the SRT diesel trains). Now there are 210km in operation with a further 250km under construction. That's huge! But it presents a problem - Bangkok is evolving very quickly, and unless you ride the trains A LOT, you are probably, like us, becoming more and more unfamiliar with how to get around the city you live in. Greg and Scott set out to change this, and spent a day riding around on various lines, visiting a few stations, and seeing what they could see from above (and below) the city. To get a better idea of how things look, check out this Google Map that Greg made of all the existing and upcoming train lines in Bangkok. From the confusing new Blue Line loop to the massive Bang Sue Grand Station to dusty end of the Purple Line, the boys give their impression on how things are progressing and why - if you live here - all of us should make an effort to get more acquainted with Bangkok's train lines before we start to feel like lost, confused tourists in the very city we live in. 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 show welcomes back Dr. Jessica Vechbanyongratana, an economist at Chulalongkorn University, to discuss the cold, hard data on Thailand's demographics. It sounds vague and geeky at first, but the more you look into it, the more you realize just how much you can tell about Thailand by observing things like the age that people are getting married and retiring at, how many kids they're having, the rate of household debt, and how all of these things will affect the next generation. Jessica discusses the link between all of these, as well as the changing logistics of operating a university when there's not enough students to go around and what she sees her students doing as they enter the "real world" and start to get jobs. She also talks about what to expect when you grow old in Thailand, especially if you're going to rely on the social safety nets which, to be honest, look about as robust as the green fishing nets you see draped over piers in Ko Samui. Lots of other great insights into how Thailand is moving into 2022 and beyond, and the indicators we can keep an eye on to give us an idea of how things are changing 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 finish up the Seven Deadly Sins series with a discussion of 'gluttony' in the context of Bangkok - in this case, wanting to eat the largest quantity of food for the least amount of money. While we all know that Bangkok is one of the best places to eat in the world, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best city to eat A LOT for CHEAP. Ed begins by showing off his farang nature: pizza in general in Bangkok is good but not cheap. However, several delivery companies (shout out to The Pizza Company) frequently run generous promotions, like an automatic upgrade of a small pizza to an 18 incher (!) or just a two-for-one. At that rate, pizza in Bangkok qualifies for pigout status. Greg goes more Thai by opening up a discussion of Thai street food. It's delicious. It's cheap. But Ed notes that the portions tend to be small, quite different from the heaping plates of Chinese food available in the States. But Greg counters that as long as you are willing to make the rounds and buy many dishes, for 3-400 baht you can have a veritable feast! To burnish his Thai credentials, Ed then brings up Thai fresh markets, which are famous for being ridiculously cheap and focusing on bulk purchases. Huge slabs of meat, bags o' veggies and culinary accoutrements...the big caveat of course is that you must be willing to cook or prepare your meals before feasting. The boys continue debating the pros and cons of various possibilities, but it all boils down to one thing: Bangkok is not only a great place for delicious food, it's also a great place for gluttony. :) 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 Belgian Ambassador to Thailand, Madam Sybille de Cartier, formerly Ambassador to Egypt and Sudan, with plenty of diplomatic experience in other posts around the world. She discusses the long history that Belgium and Thailand share, going back all the way to 1839, which is pretty amazing since Belgium itself was founded in 1830. Belgium also played a key role in the modernization of Thailand under King Chulalongkorn, providing advisors that aided in maintaining the Kingdom's independence and building up its legal system. Next, the Ambassador talks about her country's current relationship with Thailand, especially economically, and the function of the embassy in Bangkok which actually also services Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. The two continue and discuss a myriad of the details of the relationship, from mutually beneficial social security rules to the genesis story of the famous Thai-Belgian bridge of friendship, a story worth hearing in detail. Special thanks to Ambassador de Cartier for taking the time to be our guest! :) 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 very topical show Greg and Ed discuss the role that alcohol plays in Thai culture. For a country that seems to love restricting alcohol consumption, be it for religious holidays or even election days, Thails love to drink (the most in SEA, actually). But there's a rather huge gulf between the way Thai people actually behave and the image that the Thai government would like to project to the world, which is of a 'conservative Buddhist country.' This leads to a discussion of the partial re-opening. Tourists are allowed in with some restrictions, alcohol can be sold in restaurants until 9 pm, but all purely entertainment venues are shuttered, supposedly until January 15th at least. Greg plays devil's advocate (or in this case, angel's advocate) and points out that in early stages of the pandemic, some major outbreaks occurred in nightclubs. It's common sense that people are less careful when intoxicated, so what's wrong with closing bars and entertainment venues? Ed does his best to counter with bulletproof logic, pointing out the flaws: why can restaurants serve booze, but not bars? What magic happens at 9 pm, when alcohol stops being served, that causes COVID to suddenly be transmitted where it wasn't before? And wouldn't rules about ventilation and the density of customers be a more scientific strategy? This leads to Ed's main argument that the government has stopped making policy based on science and is instead merely acting as a 'conservative Buddhist' teacher of morals and proper behavior, much to the disadvantage of Thai bar owners and entertainment workers. Don't forget to read the excellent article on Thai Enquirer that discusses the same issues - and definitely check out the classic commercial Greg and Ed discussed. JHON! KRIED! KIN LAO! Yes, folks, Thailand is in the midst of a SOCIAL ORDER CRACKDOWN! So journey here only if you are one of the sizable number of travellers that doesn't really care about partying after 9 pm. :) 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 boys address the big story of the day: Thailand's long-delayed reopening to tourists, at least from certain low-risk countries. Ed begins by recounting the current (at the time of the show) rules for tourists: COVID medical insurance, a negative test within 72 hours of departure, and a negative test after touching down which MAY require a night in a government-approved hotel. Note that the info in this show was accurate at the time of recording, but things change fast - check here for more details. The guys discuss the accuracy of the 'no quarantine' promotional material before getting into their predictions on the likely success or failure of the endeavor. Both guys agree that it was high time to start selling alcohol again. Ed laments that sales stop at 9 pm and nightlife is not completely open, but baby steps are better than no steps. Certainly, Thai tourism will recover, but will it take 6 months? 1 year? 2 years? Greg and Ed gaze into the Bangkok Podcast crystal ball and make their best estimates. Each guy then makes their own pitch while the near future is probably the best time to visit Thailand, but it all boils down to this: there's no doubt that Thailand is a beautiful country. What makes it sometimes hard to traverse is the buttload of other tourists! So being able to come when you know numbers will be down and the country has been thoroughly cleaned up is the best of both worlds. There just might be some hoops to deal with on your way over... 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 Tristan Knowles, an Australian expat in Thailand working for the Asian Development Bank, specializing in infrastructure finance in the Mekong region, including alternative energy such as solar power. Greg begins by asking the obvious question: Thailand is practically constantly sunny, so why aren't there solar panels on every rooftop? Tristan gives a detailed answer focusing on incentives. Obviously there's an upfront cost to investing in solar power, whether you are a residence or a business. Most people need to be confident they will actually save money with the transition, but without proper financing and help from the government this is not always clear. So many early adopters in Thailand do it for environmental reasons, even if it's not economical compared to traditional sources of energy. Next, Tristan discusses the relative success of Vietnam, where the government has been more proactive in supporting investments in solar power. According to Tristan, Vietnam generates close to 10 times more electricity through solar than Thailand, partly by paying generators more for the extra energy they don't use themselves. This is probably good, because if it's one thing Thailand hates, it's being #2 in Asia. Last, Greg and Tristan discuss some of the nuts and bolts requirements for going solar and the common obstacles that need to be surpassed for solar to be more accepted. Unfortunately, the simple take of "Hey this is a sunny country, perfect for solar!" doesn't capture the reality of investment incentives and the appropriate government regulations to make the transition a reality. Luckily, things seem to be moving (slowly) in the right direction. 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.

On today's show Greg and Ed address a pretty simple question: When you see Bangkok in movies and in series, are you actually seeing an accurate portrayal of the way Bangkok REALLY is? The guys decide that the short answer is probably not (certainly not in Thai lakorn), but there are some interesting exceptions. For example, even big-budget movies such as "Hangover 2" and "Raya and the Last Dragon" get many details right, such as Fanta served in a plastic bag or 'toilet paper' (to Westerners) used as napkins on the dinner table. Also, some shows (especially Western ones) get some facts correct but over-emphasize them. Yes, Thailand does have elephants, prostitutes, and transexuals - but not EVERY story needs to include them. Greg then raises the elephant (heh heh, get it? we're in Thailand) in the room: foreign productions in Thailand are censored before they are made, and Thai productions are censored after they are made. So, in general, no direct showing of corruption among the monkhood, police or army, government officials, and certainly no mention of the monarchy. Because of these strict guard rails, it's almost impossible to accurately portray Thai society from within the country. Ed then laments the lack of a 'realist' cinema in Thailand, akin to the gritty dramas of the Hollywood of the 70s. Where are the Godfathers, Serpicos, and Taxi Drivers of Thai cinema? No one knows the answer to that question but both guys bring up various Thai movies and series that have flirted with realism in one way or another, including 'The Serpent,' 'Hormones,' 'Changeland,' 'Girl From Nowhere,' and, recently, 'Bangkok Breaking.' Hope springs eternal. Maybe. We guess. We 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 interviews Lindsay Kiptiness, the Kenyan Ambassador to Thailand. Ambassador Kiptiness begins by introducing himself and explains his responsibilities as ambassador to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma. He explains his unfortunate arrival during COVID times, and his desire to really explore Thailand when it fully re-opens. The Kenyan healthcare system is behind Thailand's, but he notes that Nairobi did serve as the center of COVID treatment for UN officials. Greg asks the Ambassador about Kenyan products, and the Ambassador regales Greg with pitches for Kenyan coffee and Kenyan purple tea. No, that's not a typo, and the Ambassador assures us it is the best tea in the world. :) The conversation continues on to cover cultural misconceptions, the fickle nature of the global community in times of crisis, and the expatriate Kenyan (and African communities) in Thailand, which is growing, and the Thai community in Kenya, which unfortunately is not. Greg and the Ambassador discuss the reasons for this, and the Ambassador contends there is simply not enough information about Kenya and Africa in Thailand. In fact, the Ambassador makes the point that Greg has made many times on the podcast: all expats are to some extent ambassadors for their home country, and Mr. Kiptiness encourages all Kenyans in Thailand to do their best to promote their home country. 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 confess to their past as Dungeons and Dragons-loving young geeks. Who would have thought? The boys take inspiration from an old blog post of Greg's where he applied D&D's famous moral alignment chart to Bangkok. Moving through the list, Ed provides his feedback as each example is presented. Greg begins by explaining the system (for those of you who were less geeky or simply missed D&D generationally). Then Greg gets into his examples. Who best represents 'Lawful Good' in Thai society? Well, most monks seem to be the obvious answer, and both guys think so, with the important 'most' caveat. However, some other alignments prove more tricky. Who or what represents 'Chaotic Neutral' in Thai society? What about 'Lawful Evil'? The boys re-hash Greg's old answers and see if they still apply today. Listen in for a discussion of all nine different alignments, but the lesson of the day is that it can be very insightful to examine Thailand through a variety of different lenses, be it the Seven Deadly Sins or something more contemporary, such as the moral universe of the most popular role-playing game of all-time. 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.

On this episode Greg chats with his buddy Jesse Davis. You might not know Jesse's name, but if you have kids, chances are they know his daughter. About four years ago Jesse and his daughter started Brianna's Secret Club, a YouTube channel aimed at kids where Brianna and her pals do things like unwrap gifts, play with toys, build stuff, and do other kid-related things. The channel took off, and soon became a full-fledged family business, with budgets, schedules, assistants, and studio time. As of this airing, the channel has nearly 7 million subscribers, among the most popular YouTube channels in Thailand. Greg and Jesse chat about being judged by the YouTube algorithm, how a 'quick video' is never quick, the balancing act that played out between an office job and this new venture, and how Jesse and his wife ensure their kids stay grounded and treat this as a real job, with real responsibilities. Lots of people come to Thailand with a camera in-hand and dreams of a content empire, but as Jesse explains, it looks easy to the casual viewer, but the work that goes on behind the scenes and behind the screens is anything but. 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 the concept of expat 'merit badges': those experiences that all long-time expats in Thailand tend to have that really remind you that you are in a unique place, distinct from where you grew up. These 'badges,' for lack of a better term, function as a loose type of seniority system. They are generally earned after some amount of time in the Kingdom, when you become comfortable with something that was once alien. In the first few months you might get caught in a flood, but it will most likely be longer than that before you sit down with some Thai motorbike riders, share a drink of moonshine, and play the bastardized Thai version of chess. We go into detail on some other 'level up' experiences - motorbikes, driving, swearing, rock t-shirts and sticking things in your ear! Some of these experiences are positives, some negative, and some simply a sign that you've 'gone native.' Special thanks to our patrons, insightful as always, who wrote in with their suggestions for these badges of honor (and dishonor, to be honest). Listen in for all the specifics and please write in with more ideas so we can make 'merit badges' a whole series! 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 returning guest Stu Jay Raj - polyglot, expert language teacher and man about town. Greg begins by asking Stu about his recent series of videos analyzing the second language capabilities of various celebrities, including Jon Cena and Robert DeNiro. Stu responds by explaining his MindKraft program, which is kind of a general learning system that can be applied to languages of all types, from linguistics to music to computer coding. Stu expounds his belief that the human brain is naturally hardwired for language of all kinds, and as long as you have the right attitude and approach, you can learn practically any language at any age. Stu then introduced the concept of 'neu,' which roughly translates as an accent that is slightly 'off' or as Stu puts it, 'smells' bad. He then discusses all the variations of 'off' accents, from Thais who live outside of Bangkok, to those who grew up overseas. What follows is a fascinating discussion of how Thais process accents and the difference between native English speakers (who are used to hearing accented English) and native Thai speakers (who generally are not). Dig in for some super cool linguistic gems (that is if you can get over your jealousy of Stu's knowledge and skills, which ain't easy). :) 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 sit down with old friends and travel experts Trevor Ranges and Scott Coates of the Talk Travel Asia podcast. The guys run through a whole range of questions: How do you first come to Thailand? How did you meet each other? How do you adapt to Thai food? How did you learn (or not learn) Thai language? What Thai cultural rules have you learned? How long did it take to feel as if Thailand was really your home? And perhaps most significantly, how has Thailand changed you for the better? It's a fun discussion on all the mysteries of living in Asia that keep the place so interesting, and long-term expats amused, even after several decades. Listen in to hear the guys try to parse their unique experiences in the Land of Smiles over the last 20 years. 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.

Continuing the series on the 7 Deadly Sins, Greg and Ed address the envious Envy. Of course, we love Bangkok, but no place is perfect - so, what are some things in other countries that we are envious of from our perch here? Greg begins by looking over the fence at coffee culture in Vietnam. Presumably due to French influence, Vietnam has an insane number of local cafes that take coffee (and ice cream, as Ed points out) deadly seriously. The strict government helps to keep Western chains to a minimum, and the result is a coffee lovers paradise. Ed starts his list by reminiscing about his early days in Thailand when there were no legal closing times, and Bangkok was like New York - a city that never sleeps. As old farts, Greg and Ed might not take advantage of it now, but that doesn't mean they can't miss it on principle. Next, Greg laments that lack of school bus infrastructure that he grew up with in Canada, where most kids can walk half a block, jump on a safe school bus, and end up at school a few minutes later. The reality in Bangkok is far more dire, as Greg has explained on previous shows. Ed follows with his jealousy of the safe roads in Japan and elsewhere, where a person can go on a bike or motorcycle ride without having to say goodbyes to all their loved ones. Last, Greg reveals his sensitive side (who knew?) with an admission that he misses Autumn, an entire season that basically doesn't exist in the tropics. Ed concurs, given that the fall is particularly beautiful in the American Midwest, as it is in the Canadian West. Ed finishes with a mini-rant on freedom of speech, which is not just an abstract principle but actually affects everyone in Thailand, both locals and expats alike. That being said, the guys still love living in Thailand. Go figure. 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.