The Bangkok Podcast

Greg meets with mega, super, return guest Phra Pandit to discuss Buddhist teachings regarding sex, a conversation prompted by recent scandals involving women extorting monks. Phra Pandit explains that while sexual scandals within the clergy are actually quite rare, they occasionally happen, sometimes because young men are dumped into the monastery by their families rather than choosing the life themselves. He outlines the strict regulations for monks, noting that there are four cardinal rules that cannot be broken. Breaking the primary rule against having sexual intercourse with any human or animal results in immediate and permanent expulsion from the monkhood. Next, Phra Pandit explains that secondary offenses, such as lustful touching or speaking, require a confession to a senior monk and a twenty-day penance. The conversation then shifts to everyday Buddhists, with Phra Pandit clarifying that laypeople are guided by five precepts, which simply advise against wrongful or harmful sexual conduct. However, he notes that individuals on spiritual retreats taking eight precepts must refrain from all sexual activity. Phra Pandit explains that the reasoning behind monk celibacy is practical. Because monks are supported by the lay community, they are expected to pursue enlightenment, and giving in to desires simply clouds the mind. Ed then expresses his regret at missing the interview, which Greg recorded the day prior. The hosts then compare the Buddhist perspective on sex to Western and Christian views. They conclude that while Western religions often frame sex around concepts of guilt, the Buddhist approach does not view sexual failings as uniquely wicked, but rather as equal to failing any other precept. An interesting insight into a part of Buddhism most westerners don't know much about!  

Greg and Ed explore common Thai stereotypes and symbols that are heavily associated with Thailand internationally, yet play a surprisingly small role in the daily lives of average Thai citizens. They note that due to Thailand's massive tourism success and unique geography, the country has successfully capitalized on and promoted these cultural icons, even if locals do not actively participate in them. The hosts begin by discussing Pad Thai, noting that while foreigners view it as the ultimate Thai staple, locals rarely eat it compared to everyday dishes like Pad Krapow, and some even view it as tourist street food. Next, they tackle meditation. While Thailand is a deeply Buddhist nation, the hosts reveal that active meditation is remarkably niche among locals and might actually be more statistically popular in the United States, aside from the basic practices required in Thai public schools. Greg and Ed then bring up Thailand's famous beaches. They observe that while tourists flock to frolic in the sand and water, Thai people generally avoid the sun, preferring to sit under shaded canopies to eat seafood after sunset. The conversation then shifts to tuk-tuks, which the hosts describe as an iconic but highly impractical mode of transport. Greg notes his own fast-paced experiences tracking a tuk-tuk ride on an app, emphasizing that locals largely avoid them due to traffic, heat, and safety concerns, leaving them mostly for foreigners. Finally, the hosts discuss Muay Thai and Full Moon parties. They highlight that Muay Thai is primarily a working-class sport rather than a mainstream middle-class obsession, and Full Moon parties are overwhelmingly attended by foreigners, with Thais typically only going if introduced by Western friends.

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.

In a special main show, Greg and Ed interview Hal, Ed's OpenClaw bot about his knowledge of the Bangkok Podcast. The guys begin the show discussing their mutual obsession with AI but also explain how it could be especially relevant to those living in Bangkok, as Thailand adopts AI in a big way. Ed then tells of his struggles and travails getting the bot to work and to help him create an archive of all seven previous seasons of the podcast, along with transcripts. For the highlight of the show, Greg and Ed actually talk to 'Hal' live! It has to be heard to be believed, as the interview is entirely unscripted and based on the bot's knowledge of transcripts from Season 1 of the podcast. Hal ends up being pretty good at some things - identifying Tony as the co-host, and explaining Jodi's travel writing - but horrible at other things, such as simply listing the guests on the show from Season 1. After the interview, the guys discuss Hal's successes and failures and some plans to use AI to make the podcast better for everyone. One thing we know for sure: the AI of six months from now will be a lot better than today!  

In a ReCast episode from season 7, Greg interviews well known Bangkok-based photographer Tim Russell about his book 'Bangkok Station,' which focuses (literally) on the iconic and now mostly defunct Hualamphong Train Station. Greg has had a special connection to the place over the past few months because he just finished organizing an event there for 300 guests last Friday, which is why we've been off air for the past two weeks as activity and stress reached their peak. Tim begins by explaining his early days twenty years ago as a traveller in Vietnam and how he picked up photography as a way to document his travels. Eventually he made his way to Thailand and managed to pass through Hualamphong in its heyday. The guys discuss Huamlamphong's design by an Italian architect and its opening in 1916, making it a Bangkok institution for more than 100 years. 

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

Tech Fail Alert! The last 5 minutes of our discussion was cut off by dastardly internet Gremlins, but we said most of what we wanted to say anyway.  In a follow-up to the recent Thai election, Greg and Ed do their best to make sense of the unexpected outcome. Greg defers to Ed's poli sci knowledge, and Ed struggles through it despite his expertise being American politics. Before the election, polls indicate it was a three-horse race between the progressive faction, the Thaksin clan, and the conservative faction led by the current Prime Minister. Although the progressive faction was expected to grab a plurality, none of the three were expected to have the majority necessary to form a government - so the main question was going to be: Which two factions would team up? Alas, the conservative faction ended up with a decisive victory, upending many of the gains that the progressive faction made in the last election, especially in rural areas. The margin of victory was such that the issue of coalition-building was almost moot due to the plethora of small parties to build the majority. So what led to the conservative victory? Ed notes that the current Prime Minister capitalized on his incumbency to ride a nationalist wave driven by the recent conflict with Cambodia. This was somewhat expected, but not to the extent that came to pass. Other factors, such as the lack of a charismatic leader among the progressive faction could also have been a factor. Greg chalks it up to people just being tired of the constant back-and-forth where nothing ever really changes, so they just chose to stay home and not vote for anyone - basically, they prefer stability to fighting for change. Last, the guys discuss the myriad claims of mistakes in the vote count and hope the Election Commission orders some recounts in at least some districts.  

In a followup to a recent episode, Greg and Ed walk through the entire 'Facts About Thailand' quiz that Ed gave his Thai Society students. It's a broad test of Thailand - geography, history, politics, government, demographics, and more, that's slightly harder than the average quiz you'd find online.   If you are an intrepid soul, you can take the quiz yourself before you listen in for the answers. Use the link here. Another option is to use this sheet to take the quiz and then check the answers yourself. (If you do take it and then check the answers yourself, be sure to reset the form to not show the correct answers).   Full disclosure - Greg got 36/50 - can you beat him??  

Greg interviews Mario Butler of Dreamster.io, a platform that allows musicians to connect directly with their audience, and fans to own the music they buy, not just rent. Greg begins by asking about Mario's background and the core mission of Dreamster.io, prompting Mario to explain how the music industry has shifted from tangible ownership to a "rental" model through streaming. Mario responds by introducing Digital Music Assets (DMAs), which utilize blockchain to allow fans to truly own digital music again, much like they once owned vinyl or CDs. Next, Greg wonders whether this technology is actually beneficial for the average listener compared to the convenience of a cheap monthly subscription. Mario clarifies that DMAs function as financial assets; because they are built on a bonding curve, the price can increase like a stock, and the platform's smart contracts allow users to sell their music back for a profit. Furthermore, Mario explains that these assets are programmable, meaning an artist can embed real-world perks like merchandise discounts or backstage passes directly into the digital file. Greg then asks why Mario is specifically targeting the Thailand market. Mario notes that Thai artists and fans are exceptionally tech-savvy and passionate, making them early adopters of innovative platforms. He emphasizes that Dreamster removes the usual "crypto" hurdles by allowing users to sign up via email and pay with credit cards, hiding the complex backend technology to focus on the user experience. The interview finishes with a discussion of how the platform protects against AI-generated content and automates royalty splits, ensuring that human creators are fairly compensated for their work in real-time.  

Another classic recast! One of the craziest stories from recent Thai history. 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 (update - diplomatic relations were restored in 2022). 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.Bangkok History Highlight: The Blue Diamond Affair

Ed interviews Thanita 'Ninar' Wongprasert, an old student of his and former guest on the show in 2018. On the earlier show she came on to talk about gay rights and same sex marriage in Thailand, and the two begin the interview with a high five to celebrate the eventual passage of gay marriage laws in Thailand. Ninar then discusses her work with various international NGOs and agencies of the UN. She was able to work on multiple issues, from the ozone layer to cyber security among others, and focused mostly on public information campaigns. Ed asks her about the transition from their international program to a prestigious organization such as the UN, and Ninar notes that building out her resume was a big project, but once she did that, she sailed right in.  Ed then asks about Ninar's new project, which is a type of consulting project that helps people find their purpose in life. To some extent, there is a focus on young people and helping them find a job that is truly meaningful to them, AND that will still be needed in the age of AI. But Ninar makes clear that they will advise clients of all ages, even if it's a retiree looking for a new hobby. This segues into a discussion of Gen Z and the Thai education system and how Ed does his best to teach Thai students to think for themselves.  Ed ends by pointing out that of all of his students in 17 years, Ninar is the ONLY student ever to get a perfect 100 on an essay exam. Yay Ninar!  

Greg and Ed discuss Ed's new class at his Thai university: "Contemporary Thai Society in the Modern World." The guys have a laugh at the thought of a white guy from Ohio teaching young Thais about their own country, but Ed notes that he has been living in Thailand as an adult for 25 years, whereas his students are only 18-20 years old. One point for Ed! Further, there's considerable value to getting an 'outsider' view of one's own country. Greg admits that his knowledge of his own birth country is scant in many ways. Ed and Greg banter about different topics that should be covered. Ed notes that there are a few gimmes: the upcoming election is perfect fodder for the class, and the 'Middle Income Trap' is a much discussed problem in the development of the Thai economy. The guys weigh the pros and cons of discussing the darker side to Thai society, such gambling and prostitution, with Ed admitting he hasn't made up his mind yet.  Greg talks about his brave attempt at a 'Facts About Thailand' quiz that Ed gave his students on the first day of class, and Ed scores his quiz. Greg got 36 questions out of 50 correct (apparently spot on with Greg's actual academic performance!). If you are interested in taking the quiz yourself, follow the link here. If you beat Greg's score, he'll personally send you a gift card for Central Department Store worth 10,000 baht!* *this is not even remotely true.

Greg and Ed interview Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a Thai Member of Parliament known for his advocacy in liberalizing Thailand's craft beer industry. The conversation takes place shortly after the dissolution of the Thai government, a transition that finds Taopiphop technically unemployed but focused on the future of his party. A central theme of the interview is Taopiphop's unconventional decision not to seek re-election. He expresses a desire to set a new standard in Thai politics by stepping down after achieving his primary goals, such as the liberalization of alcohol production laws. He argues that "having power" is different from "being in power" and hopes to empower younger candidates within his party to finish the work he started. Though, it should be noted, soon after we recorded this interview, Khun Tao seemed to change his mind and head back into the political arena. The discussion also delves into the structural challenges of Thai governance, specifically the influence of the "civil servant party"—the entrenched bureaucracy that Taopiphop claims often holds more practical power than elected ministers due to long-standing loyalty systems. Furthermore, Taopiphop touches on regional tensions, suggesting that recent conflicts with Cambodia are sometimes fueled by domestic political strategies to stir nationalism. Throughout, he remains optimistic about the progressive shift in Thai youth and their demand for systemic change.  

Greg and Ed discuss the long, strange and complex history between Thailand and Cambodia in an attempt to shed some light on the tragic current conflict. Greg begins with some early history. The majority of Southeast Asia was once part of the Khmer Empire based in Angkor. Eventually Thai kingdoms in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya achieved independence, but tension between the two powers was constant. In a complex maelstrom of alliance and conflict, each power borrowed, copied and outright stole selected cultural artifacts from each other, such that untangling the exact pedigree of multiple shared cultural touchstones can be difficult. Like many empires in history, the Khmer power began to wane in the face of territorial integrity, outside threats, inside warring, and eventually,  the rise of Thai kingdoms (as well as Viet ones), all of which led to the slow decline of Angkor. In the late 1800s, the Khmers sought the protection of France, who bullied Siam into ceding territory that would eventually become modern Cambodia. Japan played a similar role in World War II. After the war in Vietnam, radical communists took over Cambodia and destroyed many institutions of modernity, but their extreme nature led them to be invaded by Vietnam, who eventually installed Hun Sen as prime minister. When Vietnam faltered in the 80s and 90s, Cambodia turned to China as a patron.  When Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider among the Thai elite, rose to power, he formed an unlikely bond with the Hun Sen clan in Cambodia. However, the recent Shinawatra foray into legalized casinos in Thailand was too much for the friendship, and Hun Sen betrayed Thaksin's daughter, leading to the downfall of her government. Both countries used the incident and long-gestating disputes over the border to stoke nationalist fervor, and provocations eventually led to all out conflict. Greg and Ed agree that while the two countries have clear issues to settle, the ongoing violence can only make matters worse, and diplomacy, with or without the help of Donald Trump, must prevail.  Note that this episode was recorded on December 10, so there may or may not have been important developments by the time you hear this.  

On this show, Greg and Ed discuss what Greg would do if he was the boss man in charge of Thailand, echoing a similar show with Ed's plans earlier in the year. (Check out Season 7, Episode 54 if you are curious.) Greg begins with an interesting but ambitious plan to establish bike lanes underneath the elevated portion of the BTS and MRT. Ed immediately welcomes the idea, but both recognize what a massive undertaking it would be. Currently there are long walkways under certain portions of the BTS, but there are miles upon miles of essentially unused 'space' underneath other portions that would be perfect for bicycles. Hey, no one said this would be cheap, just better. Next, Greg suggests that a portion of revenue from traffic fines be put towards police budgets, traffic safety programs, and community education based on improved metrics like response time, crime rate and community sentiment. The guys consider the idea eminently feasible and wonder whether it might be implemented already. On that note, Greg talks about his idea to use heavy fines for air polluters in a similar fashion, only to discover that last month Thailand's new clean air bill does just that.  Greg continues with a myriad of other bold plans involving expanding sidewalks, planting trees, and installing free massage chairs in malls. Listen in for the details and Ed's always insightful feedback.