The Bangkok Podcast

It's a very unique episode of the Bangkok Podcast! Greg and Ed do a first for the the show, with a panel discussion with four guests! Why four? Well, everyone knows that cliche about Bangkok being a heaven for expat men, but we didn't know much about expat women. It stands to reason that one woman can't speak for all women, so we upped the game a bit. After some introductions, we get into the meat of the show, with a myriad of stories that show how complex, nuanced, and (depending on the person) important the issue is to a life well lived in the capital. Among many other things, the ladies discuss the differences between the attention they get back home and what they get in Bangkok, what it's like to date Thai men (and women), the quality of farang men in Thailand, and a host of other issues. There are also some hilarious(ly awful) Tinder stories, anecdotes about being approached on the street, issues that single moms have to deal with, discussion about western women who leave Thailand bitter and angry, and how Asian American women are treated in Thailand. Suffice it to say more than one can of worms are opened up in part one of a two-part mega interview. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 you've been an expat for a long time and don't visit home regularly, what's it like going back? Is reverse culture shock even real? Greg and Ed discuss Ed's first trip back to the States in 4 years to see how ed digested it all. Usually one to enjoy his trips back, Ed notes two major things that struck him: first, without the language and cultural barriers, things unexpectedly just work, and the feeling of standing there not knowing what to do when things go well is a little weird. Second, in the American suburbs, you can travel pretty far very quickly, while in Bangkok, all travel seems to take a long time. So while back in the States, all time estimates have to be re-calibrated. Greg then asks a few interesting questions: Did Ed find his hometown boring compared to Bangkok, as Greg did with his own? Did Ed get distracted by all the conversations around him that he can now understand? What type of questions did he get about Thailand? And how were Ed's friendships affected by staying away for so long? As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 still on vacation, Greg is joined by special co-host Scott Coates to discuss a question of the ages - when driving in Bangkok, what's the best way to do it - car, or motorbike? Despite neither of the guys having their own transportation for their first 15 or so years in town, both now drive regularly - Greg in a car, and Scott on a motorbike. So which one is best? They discuss the ups and downs of each type of ride, special gear bike riders need, the limitations that car drivers face, and pet peeves they have about trying to find a parking spot in places where you'd think it would be easy. Plus, a bike-related Love, Loathe or Live With - as a bike rider himself, what does Scott think about motorbikes using the sidewalks to bypass traffic - including (probably) Greg sitting in his car at a red light? Listen to find out. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 been a while, but one of our favorite semi-regular guests is back! Bangkok Podcast's official Buddhist correspondent, Phra Pandit, welcomed Greg at his temple to talk about amulets, talismans, and Buddhist relics - and what ties them all together. The burning question Greg had was - if seemingly every third temple claims to have a piece of Buddha's body - what exactly happened to the poor guy when he died? Phra Pandit explains the history behind the idea of Buddhist relics and what Buddha said about them, as well as their link to Sri Lanka and how a wooden mannequin brought to life kicked the whole thing off. Greg and Phra Pandit also dive into the topic of amulets and talismans, including the famous Jatukham craze of 2006, and discuss what - if anything - makes one amulet worth more than another one. Does it make them more effective? Do people act differently if they think they're more effective? They finish with a fascinating discussion about how stories and tokens can be a powerful tool in helping us solidify and understand abstract concepts such as marriage, death, and even architecture! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 live performance scene is evolving in some interesting ways, and nowhere is that more clear than at Bombyx, the city's most popular live storytelling event. We chat with organizer John Englander about the history of the event and what makes it special, including how speakers are chosen (and rejected), and what ingredients it takes from Bangkok's eclecting local and expat communities. John also tells us about his own first experience as a Bombyx speaker, and how terror quickly turned into pure adrenaline when he learned how to properly shape a story for his audience, how to prepare to entertain a bunch of strangers, and how he finally cracked the sad:funny ratio when telling a touching story. Ed - as a Bombyx presenter multiple times himself - also tells the stories behind his own stories, and Greg reveals that he will give his first Bombyx presentation at the event that happens on 24 May - two days after this episode drops! We hope to see you there. And yes, we do ask John why it's called Bombyx and what exactly that means - you'll have to listen for the answer. :) As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Are you a gadget geek? Greg and Ed sure are, and they discuss some of the key places in Bangkok for people to get their gadget geek jollies. But it ain't all e-wine and circuit board roses in Bangkok; Ed notes that the best places in the world to buy technology are still in the United States, Singapore and Hong Kong. That being said, Thai prices might be better than certain places such as Australia and Europe. The boys next discuss the main places to go if you're on the hunt for gear - Pantip Plaza, MBK, and Fortune Town, as well as the legendary (though slightly less well known among foreigners) Baan Mo market. Each has its own pluses and minuses, and all have changed a lot in the past 5 or 6 years, which Greg and Ed discuss. But will the old-school brick and mortar shops be around much longer? The boys consider online options and both admit they are becoming much more viable. Recommendations include Lazada, InvadeIT, Shop4Thai, Shopee, and Ali Express. All are worth checking out but be wary of cheap projects from China - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Most of us have used one type of expat group or another, so you know that they're often a chaotic mix of helpful advice, strange questions, and angry debates. Helpful? Sometimes. Boring? Never. On this episode, Greg interviews Blake Sibbitt, the creator of a relatively new Facebook group called Bangkok Informed, who talks about what goes on behind the scenes. Blake explains the basic goal behind his forum: to split the difference between highly curated forums where participants must follow a strict set of rules and wild west style forums that quickly devolve into vulgar nastiness. According to Blake, most people want something in the middle, and that's the service he is trying to provide. Greg and Blake discuss some of the common problems - trolls, how to define 'offensive', and members who are determined to be offended no matter what they read. Blakes overall advice is simple - members should focus on just posting content they would like to see, causing the forum to naturally head in the direction they would like. Although he's had to deal with a few problematic members, Blake maintains quite a Zen attitude and refuses to be bothered by the troublemakers. As all of us need to be reminded now and again, the Internet is not the real world, and there's no reason to to get too bent out of shape. :) As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 is a great city to be an expat in, but it's not without its challenges. On this show, Greg and Ed compare Bangkok to other expat destinations around the world based on a number of issues from an article Greg read about expat life. From missing your support network, to worry about finances, to worries over romance and dating, the issues are very real, but also very different, depending on which city you're in. For instance, both feel that Bangkok is a very easy city to find a new support network, but disagree on how many opportunities Bangkok offers for financial or business success - listen to hear each opposing side. The boys continue to debate and discuss how Bangkok shapes one's approach to other common problems from the article - business networking! New friends! Language barriers! Long-term planning! All the greatest hits are here. Ultimately, the expat life is not for everyone, but discussing the pros and cons of each issue, and understanding how your chosen city - in this case, Bangkok, duh - can add or detract from the journey, is key to your success. The boys conclusion should be no surprise: Bangkok is a great place to be an expat! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Dwight Turner, the founder of Courageous Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that centers on food and nutrition education for at-risk youth and families in Bangkok. Dwight recounts the start of the organization and how it sprang from a simple desire to find something more meaningful in his life after the traveling and partying were done. Over time, the organization evolved into a program that teaches young people how and what to cook. Seems easy, but for those at risk - such as Bangkok's refugeee communities - mastering kitchen skills open up all kinds of doors in empowerment and confidence building. To make practical use of potentially dangerous things such as knives and gas stoves and to plan and prepare a meal with a team of peers instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in the children who have gone through the program. When all is said and done, cooking is harder and scarier for kids than you might realize at first. Along the way, Courageous Kitchen passes on nutrition information that the students can then disseminate either formally or informally in their communities, inspires entrepreneurism, and provides English lessons to help the kids function in an international community. Dwight also relates some of the success stories of young people and families that have gone through his program, some of whom who have gone on to successful education and careers in the U.S. Last, Dwight gives advice on how anyone can help out, either through donations or through volunteering. For more info, watch these short YouTube videos profiling Courageous Kitchen here, here, and here. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 and Ed discuss the concept of a "Go Bag" - that is, a bag that always stays packed in case you need to get outta Dodge. Both hosts know people who have them, but it's a concept that's different for everyone. It might seem alarmist, but here in Bangkok, things can sometimes go bad in a hurry. But how do you define a Go Bag? As Greg explains, it could be something as simple as making sure you have the supplies to work from home for a few days in case of something bad happening, like the fire at Central World mall last week. Or as Ed discusses, you could be one of those folks who has made a full-on evacuation plan, with alternate routes to the airport, and a plan to pick up family members on the way. And of course, not everyone will react to the same emergency in the same manner - many long-term expats are used to the occasional social hiccup that requires some flexible planning, but others might have a lower tolerance for interruptions, and will feel the need to leave Thailand in the rearview if things get dicey. Either way, the concept of a Go Bag (or even just a Go Plan) is something that we think every expat should at least think about. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Aim Chareonphan, the CEO of Hubba Thailand, a coworking pioneer in Thailand. From humble beginnings borne out of a frustration with coworking spaces that weren't...quite...there yet, Aim and his partner conceived of a place that was more than just a workspace; somewhere that provided a community that supports entrepreneurs and startups, a resource itself rather than just a place to get work done. Aim details the many obstacles his company has faced, not the least of which was educating the Thai market about the nature of startups and the role that a supportive workspace could play in their success. Another main factor is the rapid change happening in the workforce in Thailand and around the world. In short, the traditional 'office' is slowly but surely becoming less popular. According to Khun Aim, right now only 1% of office space in Asia is coworking, but by 2030 that number is expected to be 10-15%! Aim gets into some stats and figures that portend a drastic change in how people - and companies - get work done amidst this new paradigm. The best news of all is how companies like HUBBA can bolster the pledges made by government to push Thailand's young generation to be innovative, risk-taking, out-of-the-box thinkers. While skepticism abounds, Aim indicates there are at least some reasons to be optimistic. That's always good to hear. :) As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

First of all - we're on YouTube! Well, just the audio of each show, but still...makes it easier to listen. Head on over to our channel and subscribe! On to the show… In a continuation of the series on Thai history, Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating career and tragic death of Mitr Chaibancha, perhaps Thailand's greatest movie star. From his early days growing poverty to a promising career as a lightweight Muay Thai fighter, to an Air Force flight at Don Meuang Royal Thai Air Force base, Khun Mitr's life was interesting from the start. After a chance meeting, Khun Mitr met a film producer and was cast in his first small movie role. From there, his career took off, and he would eventually star in an insane 266 films over a 14 year career (averaging one every three weeks!). Specializing in both romance and action, most of his films were made on a small budget but were a hit across the country as his legend grew. Unfortunately, Khun Mitr's last film, The Golden Eagle (don't miss the awesome plot summary by Greg), would end in tragedy as his refusal to use a stuntman would result in his untimely death. His cremation was mobbed by hundreds of thousands of fans, something that the Bangkok Post called "The most riotous and trouble-plagued funeral rite in living memory". Click here to see a documentary on Mitr (in Thai), including footage of his cremation. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 reminisce about Ed's first year as co-host of the Bangkok Podcast. Ed begins with a big 'thank you' to Greg for giving him the opportunity, and Greg gives a brief history of the BP over the years, from Season 1 with Tony Joh, which lasted for about a year and a half, to Season 2 with Evo Terra, which lasted about the same amount of time, and then to the last year with Ed. Ed talks about what he has liked and disliked about being the co-host, such as the weekly deadlines that are a bit stressful, and what it does to your brain to dive deep into Bangkok on a weekly basis. The best part for Ed? He particularly enjoys the less serious nature of the podcast, a break from the heaviness of being a professor all day- it's just been a surprisingly fun side gig! Greg also discusses the effect of having to work with different co-hosts, and admits that each one has added a unique flavor to the show (with Ed bringing in new philosophical takes on on Thailand), but that in general, his vision has been the same over the years - honest talk from two regular guys about what it's like living in the wacky, wonderful world of Bangkok. Both agree that the show has also helped them to reconnect to their early days in Thailand, helping them to revisit a lot of their earliest memories of being here. Finally, one of the things Ed appreciates most is how the show doesn't involve incessantly bashing Thailand, but also does not shy away from honest criticism. Here's to another year of the dynamic and dare we say dangerous duo of Greg and Ed! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 is a giant, chaotic, constantly evolving megalopolis. But guess what? If you live here long enough, you'll get bored. Happens to everybody. You'll lose your groove and get stuck in a rut. So what to do? Greg and Ed give their best advice as long term expats, focusing mainly on relocating to a lesser known, more Thai parts of the city. With a quick introduction interview by Greg's buddy Dom, who recently had his attitude changed by moving across town, the boys recount moving to new neighborhoods themselves - Ed to Rachada and later Thonburi, and Greg to Chinatown - and reinvigorating their Bangkok experience. Greg then goes into detail about three unheralded parts of the city - the area along Chan Road, Bang Ko Laem on the far end of Rama III Road, and the Dusit/Nakhon Chai Si area on the Northern end of Samsen Road (see a map here). Each of these has easy access into Bangkok, but retain a unique Thainess that would present a great adventure for any farang. Ed puts in a vote for Bang Kachao, the green lung of Bangkok, a near island in the middle of the Chao Praya that is like no other part of the city. The boys conclude with some advice for those not ready to make a big move: a lot of times we think we know our own neighborhoods, when in fact there's plenty to explore right around the corner. A little curiosity and a lot of Google go a long way! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 writer, commentator, and Muay Thai fighter Matt Lucas about the life of a foreigner in Bangkok practicing the Thai national sport. Matt begins with his background story - living in San Francisco and choosing between working in a bar and being becoming a drunk or practicing Muay Thai and only drinking on weekends. :) Muay Thai won out, and he Matt became serious about the sport, travelled to Thailand, and eventually relocated here. Matt is not only a fighter, he's also a chronicler of the sport, a proper 'Muay Thai journalist.' Matt talks about how Muay Thai has changed over time, moving out of the pure gambling context into the world of being a popular sport, and a form of entertainment. Greg and Matt talk about the difficulties he's faced as a foreigner practicing the national sport of another culture, the natural barriers expats encounter, such as use of Thai language, and the way the Muay Thai is ingrained in the culture of the rural countryside, which also makes it hard for foreigners to participate directly. He also discusses the difficulties that foreigners have when trying to understand the world of Muay Thai, including some of its problems (like injuries to children), while lacking a deep understanding of Thai culture in general. Foreigners, as he points out, don't always know better. :) As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 discuss something of great interest to many of our listeners - where to take the best photos in Bangkok. Ed begins by discussing main tourist attractions such as temples; they have been photographed millions of times, but if you aren't looking for something unique, Bangkok's disparate temples are a great place to practice. For something a little out of the way, Ed also recommends a trip to Ayutthaya for a 'mini-Angkor' experience, which, while also over-photographed, is something special for the noobie. Greg chimes in with a vote for Talad Noi, his old stomping ground, which is filled with odd architecture, abandoned vehicles, industrial equipment, and a vibe right out of Blade Runner (especially when it rains). Ed next points out that Bangkok's skies can provide dramatic photographs, both at sunup and sundown, and during storms, (partially due to the air pollution), but who are we to question where beauty comes from? Greg puts a vote in for Phahurat (aka Little India), and most especially the gnarled mass of sois behind a large Sikh temple, amidst other photo ops. Ed also suggests the back of Benjasiri Park, where some great action shots can be grabbed of the takraw players there. To close, a discussion of Bangkok's coolest architecture, including a few iconic buildings and bridges that lend themselves to some dramatic vistas. Did we miss any? What's your favorite place in Bangkok to snap a few awesome photos? As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Has it already been a whole year? Greg interviews former co-host Evo Terra, who has been back in the United States for one year since leaving Thailand. What does he miss? What doesn't he miss? And more importantly - can Evo get his precious fish sauce in Phoenix? But before that, we gotta mention our giveaway of sweet, sweet jerky by Siam BBQ Company - listen to learn how you can win a box of free meat! (That sounds dodgy, but trust us, it's delicious). Evo begins - naturally - with Thai food, saying that it's everywhere but none tastes exactly like the food in Thailand. Nevertheless, he praises the cuisine of 'Glai Ban,' a local restaurant that is about as close as he can get to the real thing. Further, Evo has to run outside of Phoenix to a genuine Asian market for his Ma Ma noodle and (ack, ugh) fish sauce fix. Other comparisons are made too - healthcare, weather, and funerals. That's right - Evo sighs when he remembers that his day was never ruined by funeral processions in Bangkok, leading to a discussion of modern mortuary practices. Yeah, it got dark. Finally, Evo admits that he misses being "the guy who doesn't belong," as he and Greg discuss the relative peace that can (sometimes) come with being a stranger in a strange land. But while he misses Thailand greatly, Evo finishes with a few creature comforts that he enjoys greatly back home that Thailand simply couldn't give him. She's a harsh mistress, my friend. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Land of Smiles" has been one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history. So much so, that many people come to Thailand thinking that every single person in the country is a smiling angel, and are shocked when someone is mean or tries to scam them. This is Greg's theory anyway, and it's one of many that he and Ed discuss as they ponder if Thailand really is deserving of its title as one of the friendliest countries in the world. Spoiler - both Greg and Ed think it probably is, but there are a few caveats. How does social structure dictate outward friendliness? Is there a difference between being friendly and being nice? And how much of this reputation comes from dumbass foreigners like us misinterpreting subtle social cues that are embedded deep in Thai culture? Much like one's opinion of Thailand will be colored by their individual experience, so are Thais colored by their individual personalities, and a sweeping generalization - even a positive one - doesn't do any country justice. As Greg subtly explains: "Some of the biggest dickheads I know are Canadians, and we're all supposed to be nice!" As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Searching for some insight into how technology is shaping the next generation of Thais, Greg interviews Sueching Chin, a TV host, writer, editor, emcee, and media personality who focuses on technology in Thailand. Greg and Sueching begin with the unique way that Thais use social media such as LINE or Instagram to set up, manage, and advertise a small business, which is something not often seen outside of Thailand. This leads into a discussion about the limitations on social media in a country ruled by the military, and some clever ways Thais have found to work with them while still retaining a sense of independence. Sueching then shares a few Thai analogies for living in an online 'bubble,' and expresses her concerns about how young Thais will handle the world when they don't regularly encounter enough new or challenging ideas. Along the way they discuss YouTube as an education medium (possibly one that's replacing the traditional role of fathers), the Thai education system's lack of preparedness for a digital future, and the role AI is likely to play in the future job market. Resistance is futile, krap. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 return to 'Neighborhood Focus,' Greg and Ed dive into the jam-packed area surrounding Sukhumvit Soi 55, aka Thong Lor, describing a recent night out they planned in order to give them a refresher on the quickly-evolving area. At the beginning of the soi near Thonglor BTS, Ed sings the praises of Hummus Boutique while Greg emphasizes the excellent street food and, on the other end of the cost spectrum, the rooftop bar Octave at the Marriott on Soi 57. Wotta view! Before entering the soi proper, the guys prepare themselves for 'Little Japan' (as Greg calls it) due to the shocking number of Japanese restaurants in the area, that their friend Paul (longtime resident of Thong Lor) said numbers over one hundred! The boys next discuss the plethora of expensive condos throughout the Thong Lor area and where to find some deals, as well as the multitude of mini-malls, like Eight Thonglor or hipster hangouts Seenspace and the Commons. Speaking of hipsters, Greg points out a bunch of premium cocktail bars including Just A Drink Maybe and J. Boroski, one of his favorites - if you can find it. Greg and Ed continue down the soi giving their thoughts on favorites old and new, including Sway, Iron Faeries, Bad Motel, Shades of Retro, Nothing But the Blues, and Game Over, noting that the one thing that makes each of these places a winner is their effort to do something new, rather than go the 'more of the same' route that so many beer bars tend to go for. But it ain't all wine and pastries - Thong Lor has its negative elements too, which Greg and Ed discuss, although ultimately, the area comes out on top as one of Greg and Ed's favorite areas. Suffice it to say, if you have the dough, there are definitely enough food and drink options on Thong Lor to keep you busy for a lifetime. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 episode, a curious Greg queries Ed about what it's like to teach political science in Thailand, a country that has suffered two coups since the boys arrived and which has been under military rule for the last four years. Ed talks about his early days in the Kingdom, and his naive belief that Thailand had broken out of the 'vicious cycle' of semi-democracy and military intervention. Haha, silly Ed, because his happytime thoughts were followed, to his shock, by the 2006 coup and its following red/yellow dustups. Subsequently, Ed kept his mouth shut in class about Thai issues, while he tried to get his bearings. That only lasted until about 2013, when the endless dramas of street protests led Ed to finally snap. Since then, he has spoken his mind about Thai politics to his students on a regular basis. How has he (and his students) fared since? Ed has some very interesting stories to tell. (For what it's worth, Greg - in his 'most Buddhist moment yet' - stopped caring about it all years ago, after getting too wound up over things he could not change.) #breathe Last, the boys ponder the weirdness of growing up in strongly democratic countries only to find themselves living in an authoritarian society which is far from perfect but which, to the average Joe Somchai, seems relatively stable and eminently livable. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 author and noted man-about-town Christopher G. Moore, who returns to the show after appearing in Episode 44 of Season 1. In a wide ranging and philosophical discussion, Greg and Christopher dive into all the bells, whistles, and otherwise that come up in the complicated, messy, and very rewarding journey to putting down a story on paper and making it relatable, exciting, and new. They discuss the creative process, the need for writers to create empathy in their characters, the effect of social media on attention span, 'theory of mind,' the endless intricacies of Bangkok, 'free will,' and how curated content on the Internet constantly feeds us things we are already interested in. Christopher also gives us a preview of his latest nonfiction work Rooms, which explores the way that living indoors has transformed human psychology and culture over the last six thousand years. 'Narrow' would not be a good word to describe Christopher's endlessly curious mind! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 episode, Greg and Ed discuss a very common issue among expats: how to find a good maid. While very common here, finding a maid is one of the most talked-about tasks when it comes to domestic logistics. The boys first frame the issue by pointing out that maids are much more common in Thailand than in the West and that many middle class people in Bangkok employ domestic help. Greg relates the awkwardness he felt while sitting around in his apartment while his maid cleaned because as a kid he was taught to always help out. Ed, on the other hand, admits he was pretty spoiled by his mother and sisters and that he jumped on the opportunity to get a maid as soon as he could. They discuss the difficulties in finding a good maid and trade embarrassing maid stories (most involving nudity). Greg eventually tells a friend's ultimate uptight maid story, which you'll have to listen to hear, but suffice it to say, if you have an adult movie collection, you might want to keep it under lock and key. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 welcomes back Marisa Cranfill, who was a guest on episode 61 of season 1, where she educated Greg and Tony with her deep knowledge on Thai spirit houses. This time Marisa - a long-time Bangkok resident and noted expert in various styles of yoga and meditation - tells her story of studying abroad in China for university and finding the traditional Chinese practice of 'qigong' or life energy mastery, which gave her a whole new perspective on life. Since then, she has spent her time between Bangkok and San Diego, studying Ashtanga-Vinyasa yoga under teacher Adrian Cox at Yoga Elements Studio, as well as building her vipassana meditation practice with various teachers in Thailand and at the Little Bangkok Sangha. Marisa gives advice to beginners interested in yoga or meditation, stressing that the teacher is probably more important than the specific style, and she recommends two specific places in Bangkok: Yoga Elements Studio and the Little Bangkok Sangha. Marisa also explains her own unique integration of Yoga and Qigong into 'Yoqi,' a form of yin-yang yoga that combines what Marisa has learned from her years of studying Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 week Greg interviews Drew Kamthong of MAQE, a digital consultancy that started as a web design firm that has transformed into a full blown consulting agency for a myriad of digital solutions. Drew talks about some of the challenges companies face in Thailand, particularly when they implement modern management techniques such as Scrum and a workplace culture that rewards full transparency and merit-based promotions. Drew explains MAQE's unique system of 'guilds and crews' to train and reward their people, the nuances of hiring (and employing) Thai and foreign staff, and the confusing process of applying for the coveted BOI status - and the benefits it brings - in the fast-paced tech industry. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 the annual Bangkok Podcast Christmas Blowout, with free gifts to all of our listeners! Well, that's a complete lie, actually. But it IS Christmas, which means the boys feel compelled to discuss what it's like to spend Christmas in Bangkok. From newbies experiencing their first working yuletide, to the sticky weather when it should be a winter wonderland, to most Thais shrugging their shoulders at the whole thing, Greg and Ed discuss how their own Christmas habits have evolved over the years, with Greg largely ignoring the holiday (with the exception of annually watching the film 'Die Hard') and Ed making efforts to keep it alive by having holiday dinners with friends and exchanging gifts with his wife and Thai in-laws. Greg does note though that as a new father he has re-discovered the holiday and made it a part of his young son's life (although it'll be a few years until he can watch Die Hard). The boys even throw in some speculative theology, from conspiracy theories about Jesus (India! France!) to the apparent similarities between his teachings and the Buddha's, including a book on the topic by a very respected Buddhist monk from Vietnam. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 week the guys address a common concern of long term expats: how best to keep in touch with family and friends back home. That is...if you want to. We're lucky that modern technology such as Facebook and Skype make it technologically easy to keep in touch, but the simple fact of being 5,000 miles away makes it impossible to keep track of the minutiae (and sometimes even the broad strokes) of people's lives. Both Greg and Ed admit that some triage is required; difficult choices must be made about who to keep in touch with and who to drop. But surprise! After Greg complains about a friend back home who doesn't answer emails, Ed admits the he is that guy. Ed discusses his guilt over doing such a bad job maintaining relationships even though (in theory) modern technology should make it easier. Although the boys don't come up with any perfect answer to this problem, they air some thoughts and advice about how not to alienate important people back home. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Thailand, there are plenty of household names, but not many of them bring a smile and a twinkle to the eye the way that "Mechai" does. If you're unfamiliar with Mechai Varivaidya, you're missing out. Known as Mr. Condom, Mechai's career began in the 1970s when he became famous for traveling around the country giving out condoms - a truly unconventional (even controversial) thing to do at the time. His tireless promotion of condoms, family planning, and community health have made him a household name in every corner of the Kingdom; indeed, if you ask for a "Mechai" in 7-11, you will be given a box of condoms - a distinction he's thoroughly proud of. Khuh Mechai also founded the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), one of Thailand's largest NGOs, twice served as a senator, as Minister of Tourism, and a number of other high profile private and governmental roles too numerous to list here. In 2007 the PDA was given the Gates Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in recognition of its pioneering work in family planning and AIDS prevention. In part two of our interview with Khun Mechai - delightfully feisty and sharp as a tack - he chats about the success of his family planning and AIDS prevention measures, his innovative education system known as the 'Bamboo School' initiative, and educates the guys over a handful of haggis potato chips. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Thailand, there are plenty of household names, but not many of them bring a smile and a twinkle to the eye the way that "Mechai" does. If you're unfamiliar with Mechai Varivaidya, you're missing out. Known as Mr. Condom, Mechai's career began in the 1970s when he became famous for traveling around the country giving out condoms - a truly unconventional (even controversial) thing to do at the time. His tireless promotion of condoms, family planning, and community health have made him a household name in every corner of the Kingdom; indeed, if you ask for a "Mechai" in 7-11, you will be given a box of condoms - a distinction he's thoroughly proud of. Khuh Mechai also founded the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), one of Thailand's largest NGOs, twice served as a senator, as Minister of Tourism, and a number of other high profile private and governmental roles too numerous to list here. In 2007 the PDA was given the Gates Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in recognition of its pioneering work in family planning and AIDS prevention. In part one of our interview with Khun Mechai - delightfully feisty and sharp as a tack - we chat about his condom nickname, how Thai culture's views on sex and family have changed over the years, the best way to handle the ubiquity of porn, and how he got help from the Buddhist clergy to support his condom campaign. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 our series on interesting episodes in Thai history, this episode focuses on the infamous Blue Diamond Affair, It all started when a Thai gardener named Kriangkrai Techamon, who was working in Saudi Arabia, decided to make off with $20 million worth of gems and jewelry belonging to a Saudi royal. Although the thief was caught shortly after his return to Thailand, he had already sold much of the loot, including the famed 50 karat 'Blue Diamond.' No problem - the gems were returned to Saudi Arabia and an apology issued. Case closed! But! Soon after the treasure was returned, Saudi authorities claimed that over half of the returned gems were fake, including the Blue Diamond. The Saudi authorities sent a special team of investigators to Bangkok to investigate...and what followed was a tale of murder, kidnapping, and black magic, with the ultimate result being a near-total diplomatic breakdown between the two countries that continues to this day. It's a plot almost too twisty for Hollywood, but listen in for details on one of the strangest episodes in Thai history. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 familiar with Southeast Asia knows how complicated the issue of refugees is. Thailand, as the wealthiest country in the region, plays an important role in this. To gain some insight into things, Ed interviews Ploy Singthainiyom, an expert on refugees in Thailand. Ploy explains that she has worked in Bangkok, northern Thailand, and the United States on various refugee issues, focusing on Burmese refugees from the Karen minority who have fled into Thailand and live in camps near the border. She explains how the issue of paperwork, citizenship, and even formal recognition as refugees is not as clear cut as you may think, which leaves refugees in a kind of limbo with limited options. Indeed, most are not permitted to enter Thailand proper, but also do not want to return to Burma, which leaves the long and daunting road of applying for refugee status in a third country, such as the United States, their only viable option. Ploy talks about this long process and discusses some of the current problems facing the Thai government in addressing this complex issue. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Hey guys, Greg here. I know this will only be of interest to some of you, but a few listeners pointed out that on the most recent show about our favorite farang food joints in Bangok, we said the upcoming meetup was on the 10th of November. Well, yes we did say that, but were VERY WRONG! The meetup is actually on Friday, 16th November at Smalls. You can find all the details on our Facebook page. Sorry about this short little podcastlet, but the next regular episode won't drop until after the 10th, so we wanted to make sure no one showed up on the wrong day. Sorry about the confusion, but if you're in town, we hope to see you on 16 November.

This week is a special on-location show at a Pizza Company restaurant in a highly secret, undisclosed location (to ensure the BP hosts are not mobbed by adoring fans), where Greg and Ed kick things off by daring to try the new 'durian pizza.' Alas, as anyone who listened to last week's bonus show might know, neither Ed nor Greg are huge durian fans, so - what's the verdict? You'll have to listen to find out. The hosts then discuss the best places (in their not-so-humble opinions) to eat farang food in Bangkok, opinions accumulated over their nearly 40 combined years of living in Bangkok. Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese and and Japanese will all appear in a later episode, but pizza, burgers, Mexican, and Lebanese are all covered in great detail. From tiny little joins at the ass-end of long sois to bright, centrally located places known by many, it's all in here. Did we miss some? Most certainly, but these are the ones that tide us over best when we jones for something other than Thai. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

To get some insight into Bangkok's art scene, Greg interviews Nim Niyomsin, an independent art curator. She gives her views on the ups and downs of being an artist in a culture that is widely known as extremely creative, but which lacks the support and infrastructure other countries take for granted. For those not in the know, getting insight into the creative culture of Bangkok might seem difficult, but Nim says it's really just a matter of putting a bit of research into it, and hitting the pavement. First stop - the BACC, where you can find resources, meet people, and pick up the all-important Bangkok art map. They also discuss how the lack of government support has pushed the artists to build their own support networks, how economics helps shape the community, and why 2018 - with the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Thailand Biennale, among other events - is a very important year in the continuing development of Thailand's creative culture. This jives with the amazing art Greg saw at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Nim agrees - the climate for Thai artists is improving, albeit slowly. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Victory Monument area of Bangkok is unique in that it combines the old - the monument itself is of a Thai victory against the French in WWII - and the new - the skytrain and multiple modern condo developments. Click here to see a great blog by Greg where you can compare old and new photos of the same area - including the Victory Monument, taken in 1946. Greg uses the compass to circle around Victory Monument, describing the various areas that surround the chaotic transport hub. One nearly universal theme is great street food, as an apparently unlimited number of Thais seem to live and work in the area. Another gem is of course Saxophone Pub, probably the most well known live music venue in all of Thailand (but check who's playing before you go!). Just around the corner is Soi Rangnam, packed with street food, restaurants, condos, and a unique mix of both Thais and foreigners heading to dine, drink, see movies, and shop at the iconic King Power HQ - although you're not allowed to leave with any of the merchandise you buy. It's a duty-free thing...listen for details. All in all, Victory Monument may not be first on your list of places to check out in Bangkok, but if you want a great, local experience (usually meaning shopping, eating, and also eating), Victory Monument is a must-visit. And don't forget to check out our friend Ivan's Kickstarter page. Help him get his Thai-language book on English-language pronunciation into schools throughout Thailand! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

A common dream for many expats in Thailand is to open their own bar or restaurant. Ed interviews Matthew Fischer, a local restaurateur and bar owner, who has successfully started two bars in Bangkok - Fatty's on Rama IX, and the Fat Tap off of Ekkamai. Matthew recounts the trials and tribulations that took Fatty's from a mere whisper of an idea to a six-year Bangkok institution. But it certainly ain't for everyone - Matthew's tale is a cautionary one. Long hours in the kitchen, the stress of finding the right location, and the complications of working with your partner all present real (but surmountable) obstacles. Even with his success, he insists that bars are bad as pure investments - but there is a bright side: foreigners with a true passion can succeed at starting their own bar or restaurant in Thailand. Matthew has taken his Wisconsin cuisine of burgers and beers (and lots of cheese) and transplanted it to the other side of the world, giving Thais, expats, and tourists the taste of real, homegrown American food, all at a reasonable price. If you want to follow in Matthew's path, just get ready to sweat. :) As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 week's subject is the fascinating mythology of Thai ghosts, which, as anyone who has spent any time here knows, are a pretty big deal in Thai culture. In the west, ghosts and the supernatural are met with skepticism by most, so it's easy to be dismissive. But Ed puts things in perspective by saying that Thailand's ghost stories work better if you think of them like the mythology of Greek gods - huge, varied, and very creative. As someone who teaches a critical thinking class, Ed opines about urban vs rural belief stats, before both he and Greg get into some of the more interesting Thai ghosts (Ed's favorite - creepy banana ghost. Greg's favorite: floating head attached to intestines). No matter how you take it, Thai ghost mythology deserves heaps of appreciation for its sheer creativity and ties to Thai culture ancient and modern. If you want a crash course in understanding what makes Thailand different from other countries, start researching Thai ghosts! To get your started, here's the trailer for a really creepy-looking Thai video game about ghosts, as well as this very funny commercial that shows how ubiquitous they are. Enjoy - but keep the lights on. :) As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Thanita 'Ninar' Wongprasert, a former UN employee and long time activist in the LGBTQI community in Thailand. Ninar talks about what it's like to be gay in Thailand in general and points out that every individual's experience is different. Ed and Ninar then discuss whether Thailand is liberal or conservative - and why such black & white classifications might be doing the pontificator and country a disservice. And speaking of disservice - given Thailand's non-confrontational culture, it can sometimes be hard to determine whether gays are accepted or just tolerated by Thailand's mai pen rai culture. Each person's take will be different, of course, but Ninar points out that the government has traditionally been conservative and very reluctant to extend equal rights to the gay community. In the end, they discuss the somewhat ironic possibility that the current non-democratic military government may grant marriage rights to same sex couples before the expected elections early next year. Love is love, y'all. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 try something new with the first in a series of episodes that look at interesting events in Bangkok's history. For this one, they delve into one of Thailand's most interesting personalities - Phlaek Phibunsongkram. Phlaek, or simply Phibun, was a military man who gained prominence as a member of the group that organized the 1932 coup that ended absolute monarchy in Thailand. Phibun was enamored with the fascist leaders of Europe and crafted a cult of personality around himself in Thailand. Along with his partner in crime Luang Wichitwathakan, or Wichit, Phibun led an ethno-nationalist movement designed to both define what it means to be 'Thai' and to modernize Thailand so that it could join the developing world. Consequently, Siam's name was changed to 'Thailand' to make clear that a particular type of ancient Chinese immigrant was the true race of the country. But Phibun and Wichit also passed national 'guidelines' for using western silverware and even western clothing such as bowler hats for men - not to mention ordering the creation of Thailand's signature dish, pad thai! The story only gets weirder and more complicated when the Japanese Army shows up on Thailand's doorstep in the early days of WWII with an ultimatum for Phibun. In between there are coups, counter-coups, declarations of war, daring escapes, and crafty espionage stories that would be right at home in a Tom Clancy novel - with Phibun usually right in the middle of it all. Listen in to get the scoop on this thoroughly interesting Thai leader. Trust us - it's hard to believe some of this even happened! As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 Kisnaphol "Keng" Wattanawanyoo, an expert in the informal aspects of urban life, and in the case of Bangkok, the plethora of mobile street vendors. While Bangkok is in a rush to modernize and clean up its streets, the mobile vendor subculture is alive and well - but for how long? Greg and Keng discuss where these folks come from, where they buy their merch, and explains the informal network they use to keep each other up to date, train new recruits, and mark their territory. Above all, they represent the best of the entrepreneurial nature of Thais, many of whom seem willing to travel long distances to set up their own businesses. However, Keng points out that the Thai government often takes a more negative view of the informal economy of Bangkok and see it as contributing to the chaos and disorder of the city - despite many (such as construction workers in the rapidly multiplying building projects) relying on them to get affordable, convenient food and supplies. Plus - Love, Loathe, or Leave - the ubiquitous Bangkok ice cream sandwich. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 jump into the tricky issue of whether it is worth it for expats to gain permanent residency status in Thailand, also known as PR. It's a good topic, because while Greg is still a stateless savage, Ed actually does have PR. So what is PR? Essentially, it's a permanent visa that obviates the need to do border runs or 90 day reporting. But significantly, Thai PR does not include the right to work or the right to own property; plus, it can be expensive, at 195,000 baht for the those not married to a Thai, and 95,000 baht for those who are. Further, the application process is a bit of a nightmare and can take years to complete. So is it worth it? Greg and Ed debate this, while also discussing the positives, negatives, and unknowns of taking such a big step on the "I'm a legitimate farang living in Thailand" express train. Want to learn more? Here are a few links to get you started. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 podcast is very pleased to welcome back journalist Patrick Winn, who previously appeared on the show in its very early days - episode 11 of season 1, to be precise. Patrick recently authored a book called "Hello Shadowlands: Inside the Meth Fiefdoms, Rebel Hideouts, and Bomb-Scarred Party Towns of Southeast Asia" and the subject matter is as exciting as the title would suggest. Patrick discusses his time in Myanmar with gangs of militant Christians who kidnap drug addicts in an attempt to force them to go straight, his adventures in Vietnam with NVA veterans who ambush thugs stealing pet dogs for their meat, and violent gangs in the Philippines. Patrick also stresses the overwhelming size of the underworld dedicated to one drug - 'ya baa', a potent, cheap, mass-produced form of methamphetamine. Greg and Ed tease the details out of Patrick on how this criminal network affects Thailand and what the causes may be for the apparent increase in corrupt activities throughout Southeast Asia. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Google searches have become a treasure trove of information on modern cultures, and something that everyone from students to seniors use to find information. One interesting feature is Google's autocomplete, which makes guesses on what you're looking for based on what others are searching for. So what does Google's autocomplete say about Thailand? Greg tries various combinations of Thailand-related questions, such as 'Is Thailand...' or 'Will Bangkok . . .' with results ranging from the mundane to the curiously fascinating - one even reminding Greg of this awesome short film called True Skin that takes place in Bangkok's near-future. Searchers seemed concerned about everything from safety in Thailand and whether Bangkok is sinking, to the cave boys story and the prevalence of the zika virus in the Land of Smiles. The results seem to mirror Thailand's reputation as a country of great contrast, complexity, and to some extent, weirdness. Also, to the person searching for "is Thailand hotel?" Bravo. Bravo. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

What if you got into a time machine and jumped forward a few hundred years, only to discover when you arrived that no one spoke your language anymore? It's happened plenty of times (not the time machine thing, but languages dying out), so we wondered...could it happen to Thai? Greg interviews friend of the show Rikker Dockum, a linguist finishing his PhD at Yale, who has been doing research in northwest Burma on a local dialect that is part of the same family of languages as Thai. After discussing this unusual dialect, Greg and Rikker chat about the modern Thai language and how it has slowly splintered and changed over time, including a few interesting tidbits into why Thais call Google 'Uncle Goo' and why the Thai translation of the Forrest Gump novel used a very specific spelling of a particular word. To wrap it up, Rikker gives us his thoughts on 'language death' and what role the forces of globalization and modern technology play. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Just for a bit of fun, we're releasing this week's bonus episode for all our listeners! Patrons of the Bangkok Podcast get the regular show + a bonus show every week. To learn more, go to https://www.patreon.com/bangkokpodcast Greg and Ed - still trying to digest the news from last week's show with attorney Jerrold Kippen - discuss the significance of the (hopeful) changes to Thailand's work permit laws. Just for a bit of fun, Greg also goes through the professions prohibited to foreigners, realizing that most seem to center around protected Thai cultural arts and crafts - although there are a few surprises in the list (gem polishers! Architects!). And to wrap the show up, the boys address the news that the National Legislative Assembly is considering legalizing medical marijuana (!), which (if it comes to pass) would make Thailand the first country in Asia to do so (!!).

Another in our continuing series on Bangkok's coolest and most notable places to live or visit! This week we focus on the Ari neighborhood, which roughly surrounds the Ari BTS station. Greg recounts the four years he lived in the neighborhood and shares a few insights into what makes it unique. Ed also ponders is demographic makeup - a lot of educated expats living and hanging out right next to working class Thais, patrons of upscale eateries, craft beer bars, and hole-in-the-wall joints that cater to all. While condo prices are high due to the central location, the bars, restaurants, and art galleries more than justify an exploratory afternoon or evening. With a ton of back sois, a great street food scene, and hipster sensibilities (though not too much of that, yet), Ari should be on the list of any expat seeking to explore Bangkok beyond the tourist areas. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

If you've even a passing interest in living in Thailand, you've likely heard of the recent changes to the Kingdom's work permit laws - the legal requirements of being employed here there are written in stone which, it turns out, are not written in stone. Greg interviews Jerrold Kippen of the law firm of Duensing Kippen about these changes, which were highlighted in a recent article his firm wrote. It's big news! Traditionally, Thai work permits for foreigners were interpreted very narrowly, meaning individuals were legally allowed to only work the exact job, in the exact capacity, and at the exact address specified in their work permit. Jerrold discusses a recent change that has sent shockwaves through Thailand's expat community: it appears that changes to the labor laws mean that once an expat has a valid work permit, he or she will also be able to work any other type of job at any location, as long as that work is not specifically prohibited under Thai law. Greg and Jerrold discuss the significance of the change, what it means for the average Joe, and if it portends an overall liberalization of the employment laws here in Thailand, which would be a great relief for many. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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 week your intrepid hosts discuss all manner of rail travel in Bangkok and beyond, and the role that the train system plays in Thai society. For most foreigners rail is a convenient alternative, but for many Thais (and others throughout the world), it's the only option, leading to some interesting financial, logistical, and economic repercussions. Greg and Ed also trade stories of riding the overnight train to Chiang Mai and other rail adventures they've had over the years, and then discuss the meat of the issue - the massive new train station in Bang Sue, as well as several high speed train lines emanating from Bangkok to both the north and south. What's clear is that once the Bang Sue terminal is completed, rail travel in Thailand will look a hell of a lot different than it does now. For more info, check out Greg's super-cool Bangkok rail projection map here, and also head to Nomadic Notes for a wider look at all of Asia's proposed rail routes. But no matter what happens, the boys conclude that as long as speed is not super important, rail travel in Thailand is both affordable and enjoyable, and definitely worth checking out by expats and tourists alike. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

What do you do if the culture you grew up in isn't your own - or even your parents'? You adapt, dammit, and become what's known as a Third Culture Kid, or TCK, if you're cool. Ed interviews his recently graduated student Mook Ishimura, a half-Thai, half-Japanese 'third culture kid,' who is a Thai citizen but who grew up mostly in the United States and Indonesia before moving to Thailand for university. They discuss the rather unusual situation of feeling LESS comfortable in your 'passport country' than in another culture - in Mook's case, American culture. Mook recounts the difficulty of studying in a western classroom her whole life, only to begin university in an international program in Thailand, mostly with Thai students coming out of the Thai school system. In an increasingly cosmopolitan city like Bangkok, Mook demonstrates that not everyone fits neatly into the 'native' box or the 'expat' box. We think this is a great asset to any city or country - after all, variety is the spice of life, and TCKs are nothing if not varied. And spicy. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. 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, Master Yoda Biker Greg counsels young padawan Ed in the ways of biking in Bangkok, focusing either on the casual rider looking for some exercise or adventure, the commuter looking for a way through Bangkok's notoriously bad traffic (and unreliable BTS!), or the adventurer looking to blaze new trails (for an example of this, see this week's episode artwork of Greg's good friend Paul exploring a new trail). Greg and Ed discuss all the important points of biking in Bangkok - safety, directions, equipment, and more, plus a discussion on how (most) Thai drivers are actually very aware of their surroundings, providing a surprisingly stress-free ride, if you happen to be riding in traffic (there's a million disclaimers on this, but that's Greg's take, anyway). Greg also runs through some of the obstacles thrown up by the Bangkok government - such as no bikes allowed on the skytrain, or bike paths that are build and then abandoned - that can make it difficult to bike in the city. However, in the end, the guys stress that biking is a GREAT way to appreciate the charm of the sprawling, chaotic metropolis of Bangkok. As always, the podcast will continue to be 100% funded by listeners just like you who get some special swag from us. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.