The Bangkok Podcast

There's a lot of great buildings and great history that has been bulldozed over in Bangkok, so it's nice when we see someone going the extra mile to actually preserve both an historic physical space as well as the stories and history behind it. On this show Greg interviews Art and Irma, owners of Siri Sala Private Thai Villa, located off of Charan Sanitwong Road, not far from where Ed lives. The couple begins with the story of how they discovered the property - at the time, an old family home that had fallen into disrepair - while on a boat ride down the Bangkok Noi Canal, and the various serendipitous events that were necessary for them to become the new owners.  Greg then discusses with them the extensive rebuilding and renovations that needed to be done to complete the space. The entrepreneurial couple explains the lengthy design process, one driven by a desire to maintain the authenticity of a traditional Thai house, but with the lived-in practicality of a genuine home, as opposed to a museum piece. Next, the conversation moves to the various uses of the unique location. Irma explains that events were the primary intended purpose, but that very quickly video productions were knocking on their door. After several smaller shoots, they were chosen to play a major part in White Lotus, Season 3, and Greg talks with Art and Irma about that amazing experience.  Last, the couple announces the impending opening of Siri Sila as a boutique hotel, that allows rental of individual rooms or the whole property, as well as entire buyouts for those who want a memorable stay they will never forget.   Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

As Thailand starts got back to bid-ness after COVID, there were a whole lot of n00bs coming in to tour, work and live. Most who have been here for a while already remember what an overwhelming experience Bangkok was in the early days, and how helpful it was to make a network of friends that you could turn to for advice. Of course, not all advice is great, especially when you're talking with random people about how your new foreign home works. We think it's fair to say that most advice you get is subjective and can probably be taken with a grain of salt, but some advice…some advice is gold, and should be locked away for further investigation. Greg and Ed take a look back at their early days in the Kingdom and each come up with 2 bits of advice that they got that they did not lock away for further investigation, and now - in their wise old age - regret. From dating to geography, sometimes it pays to listen to old-timers to make the most of your new situation. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

This week Greg and Ed have a bit of fun revisiting an old blog post from Greg about what would be the best slogans for various malls around Bangkok. As most listeners know, Bangkok may very well be the capital city of malls and mall culture, and each mall seems to have its own identity. The guys walk through Greg's somewhat salty slogans from ten years ago to see if they are still valid.  Here are some representative examples: MBK - "Not even we know what stores lurk in our dark corners and forgotten depths." Ed chuckles at the appropriateness of the slogan, given that MBK seems chock full of unexpected side areas and forgotten hallways. EmQuartier - "Come for the cool food hall and interesting stores. Stay because you can't find the exit." Once again, Ed concurs, having just been at the infamously architecturally complex mall. Central World - "Stop whining, the 5 km walk will do you good." With its renovations over the years, this mall has undoubtedly improved, but one fact can't be denied: it's freaking huge. So if you need some more steps to get to your 10k for the day, this is the mall to do it. Ed even chimes in with some of his own slogans for Bangkok's new malls, such as Icon Siam: "A mall designed 100% for Asians: as long as you are a rich Chinese tourist." This time Greg nods his head in agreement. Listen in for our take on the bounty of unique malls through the city.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.  

We've all seen the incredible amount of drama that can go down if you don't run a tight ship in Thailand - everything from visa worries and bank problems to relationship blow-ups and trouble with the law. But it seems that a huge proportion of this drama is reserved for people relatively new to Thailand. Greg and Ed discuss why, as long-term expats, they seem to miss a lot of this drama. Is it something they did? Or did they just age out of the baggage train? As both have been in the country for effectively a quarter of a century, the guys have solved a lot of problems and overcome a lot of obstacles to the point that they are each happy with their somewhat stable, undramatic lives. Many expats in the first few years of their life in Thailand experience CRAZY amounts of drama and adaptation, most which are way in the rearview mirror for Greg and Ed.  First, Ed brings up obvious contrasts: early stayers almost always have to deal with visa, work permit, and address-reporting issues. Beginners have to sort that stuff out in the first place, which really isn't that easy, but then have to worry about complying for the months and years to come. Border runs at first may actually seem like a version of a holiday, but they QUICKLY become a stressful annoyance due their cost, complications, and inherent uncertainty.  Second, Greg mentions more current problems, such as the Thai government's crackdown on money laundering, which seems to have cast an absurdly wide net and effectively shut down the bank accounts of many short term expats, but has left most (but not all) long-termers alone. He reiterates his old advice: if you are here more than a few months, you should step-by-step become more legitimate ON PAPER, such as by getting the proper visa, work permit, bank account, driver's license, credit card - anything you can. Every little bit helps to build your credibility as a serious person that the government is less likely to trifle with. The boys conclude with a vow not to dunk on those suffering short-timers and to remember when they themselves were wee-little expats too. :)  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.  

In a special episode, Greg and Ed interview Kevin Maes in Kevin's own podcast studio on Rama IV. Kevin is a long-time expat in Thailand hailing from Belgium who became entangled in a very unfortunate crime drama and subsequently wrote a book about it called 'Kingdom of Trials,' which is now available on Amazon. Kevin begins with his Thai 'origin story,' how he ended up in the Land of Smiles, and more importantly, how and why he fell in love with it.  Unfortunately, he eventually was sucked into a drama involving his ex-wife's boyfriend that shockingly ended in the boyfriend's death. Kevin and another friend were charged with murder, and a years-long ordeal would ensue involving the ins and outs of the Thai justice system. Kevin recounts his fears step-by-step, including his shocking (but somewhat heartening) decision to return to Thailand to face the Thai justice process even though he had an opportunity to remain in Belgium safely for the rest of his life.  Suffice it to say, both the interview and the book are worth the interest of any expat or serious Thai-phile.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

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.  

Greg and Ed discuss the recent BBC 'documentary' called 'The Dark Side of Paradise' and what it says about media representation of Thailand. Ed explains that the recently aired 3-episode series has been getting a LOT of blowback on expat social media. The series depicts Zara, a young British woman, on her first trip to Thailand, ostensibly to report on the popularity of the Land of Smiles with British influencers. However, the show quickly devolves into an exploration of all the negative stereotypes about Bangkok, from partying to drugs and prostitution.  Greg admits to finding the first episode so grossly underwhelming and riddled with cliches that he couldn't even make it to the end. Ed notes that he got through the first episode, but was shocked by the number of basic factual errors in the show. For example, Zara stated that Khao San Road is open 24/7, and everyone knows that hasn't been true for 25 years. Other very blatant errors, such as the claim that all go-go bars have covers when none in fact do, really calls into question whether the filmmakers did any actual investigating at all. Ed also mentions that a YouTuber who was interviewed in the documentary has claimed that the BBC lied to him about the nature of their interview. Greg expands the discussion to include how Thailand is typically portrayed in the media. Unfortunately, negative stereotypes always come first, even though there is already a veritable boatload of 'content' out there on these issues. One would think the BBC would have the budget and the experienced writers to do more than scratch the surface with every well-worn cliche about Thailand, but apparently not. Watch at your own risk! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

Greg and Ed interview Chatwan Mongkol about his relatively new website called 'Soiciety.' Chatwan begins by explaining that he was born and raised in Thailand but then went to the U.S. for a year of high school and stayed on for university. He majored in journalism and (shock!) subsequently worked for several news outlets in the Northeast. During his time there he saw a type of news that Thailand lacks: truly LOCAL news that focuses on important practical matters that primarily affect people living in a particular city or region. Hence, 'Soiciety' was born! The website is in English, but is primarily based on Thai sources of information. Chatwan has chosen to focus on matters directly relevant to people living in Bangkok - not international news, not national Thai news, not abstract political stuff. Does it affect the daily life of people living in Bangkok? If no, it's out, if yes, it's in. Further, currently his audience is made up of foreign English speakers, but he's hoping to expand into international Thais, and in the future could even provide Thai language content if the market is there. Greg and Ed moderately bash the current quality of English language news sites in Thailand, and heartily support the idea of focusing on stuff of immediate practical value. Is a skytrain station being planned for my neighborhood? I want to know that. Are alcohol sales hours being changed in the city? I'd like the answer. Is the city doing anything about the air pollution? Please tell me. You get the idea, and if you live in Bangkok, you could probably use some 'Soiciety' in your life too.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

Diving into the differences between East & West, Greg and Ed discuss two famous cemeteries in Bangkok. Ed takes the Teochiew Chinese Cemetery off of Sathorn Road, and Greg talks about the Protestant Cemetery in the Baan Mai neighborhood not too far from Asiatique on Charoen Krung Road. Ed begins by explaining that Thai Buddhists in general practice cremation, and since most Thais are Buddhists, 'cemeteries' in general are not really a Thai thing. However, multiple minorities throughout Thai history do bury their dead, so cemeteries exist for Christians, Muslims, and some Chinese communities.  Ed starts off by discussing his visit to the famous Chinese cemetery roughly in between the Saphan Taksin and St. Louis BTS stations just off of Sathron Road. The cemetery traditionally catered to the Teochiew Chinese minority of which many immigrants to Thailand have been a member of and is more than 100 years old. Further, the cemetery has been made into a legitimate public park, creating an eclectic experience. It features many of the benefits of a park, such as exercise options and open public spaces, but also multiple religious monuments and a significant set of very old tombs, in the midst of a rather dense jungle. It somehow manages to be welcoming and foreboding at the same time. See the pictures below for examples.  Taking a cue from a blog post he wrote several years ago about his visit, he notes that the Protestant Cemetery is more of a traditional Western Christian cemetery and does not function as a park. Its main appeal is its historic value, housing the remains of countless early expats to Siam in the 19th Century. As proud expats themselves (who even have a podcast on the subject!), the guys muse about what it must have been like to be one of the truly earliest Westerners in pre-modern Siam.  Both cemeteries offer fascinating glimpses into unique immigrant communities that have played a role in Thai history.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

Greg and Ed discuss a much neglected topic in Bangkok expat life: how to survive as someone who doesn't drink alcohol. Everyone knows that Bangkok has an epic nightlife, but much of that experience revolves around alcohol consumption. The guys discuss the option of going to the usual places and merely opting out of drink, but they also admit that for some people that is socially awkward and can put a damper on the evening. So what about events that themselves are not based around alcohol? Well, both guys offer multiple suggestions. First, sports activities that are social by nature but NOT directly tied to booze. Popular options today are padel and pickle ball. Second, the broader wellness community that includes yoga, meditation, and cold plunges offer great opportunities to meet people and not drink. Third, the guys recommend other hobbies that while they may not ban alcohol, they are not centered around it. Chess, board games, and martial arts all come to mind.  Another option is to focus on the community of expats that are into Thai history and culture, such as those involved in the Siam Society and the National Museum. While social gatherings may include cocktail options, opting out is much easier among that crew. Greg and Ed fully support the avoidance of alcohol - it's obviously not healthy and peer pressure itself is toxic. The good news is that Bangkok is big and diverse enough that there are plenty of options out there for those willing to check out new things.  Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

In a follow-up to previous episodes on expat 'Merit Badges,' Greg and Ed discuss 'DEmerit Badges,' mistakes that long term expats make that they should NOT make. In other words, if you've lived in Thailand for a while, and you act like a n00b, you deserve a demerit. Greg begins with the classic fashion faux-pas of all foreigners in Thailand for more than a few months: wearing elephant pants. As the official mark of being brand new to Thailand, these flimsy pajama bottoms are verboten for long-timers (and that's still true, notwithstanding their surge in popularity among hi-so Thais). Ed then brings up raising your voice or getting angry in public with a Thai person in their official capacity. Simply put, anger in public gets you nothing in Thai culture, except possibly some disrespect. The guys continue running through several more no-no's for expats and repeat tourists, from forgetting your passport to bum gun blunders. If you don't want to embarrass yourself, listen in for advice on how to look like you belong in Thailand. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Greg and Ed discuss the pros and cons of Lumphini and Benjakitti parks in central Bangkok, and best of all - you get to vote for your favorite by clicking here!  The boys begin almost with a disclaimer:  both parks are genuinely awesome, and there's no way to definitely declare one park obviously superior to another.  Nevertheless, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Lumphini is the classic 'Central Park' of Thailand and has had more than 100 years to mature and develop a large group of dedicated visitors.  It is landscaped and manicured in a more traditional way, and in some respects might mirror a kind of 'international standard' for parks.  It is excellent for walkers and joggers, but not so much for bikers who are limited by restrictive hours.  There are facilities for other types of exercise, but those facilities are probably insufficient for the massive number of the park's visitors. Benjakitti on the other hand is newer and larger and has much better options for a variety of sports, including pickle ball, basketball, badminton and table tennis.  It's also much friendlier to cyclists, who have dedicated lanes through much of the park.  But Benjakitti is much less manicured throughout much of its spaces, representing the 'forest' (or sometimes 'jungle') in its name, as it's intended to represent a genuine biological ecosystem.  Essentially, it's less 'tamed.'   Both parks provide excellent opportunities for general walking and jogging and of course photography.  Both parks MUST be on the list of repeat tourists and expats.  Vote for YOUR favorite park here! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

While Greg is travelling in Canada, Ed interviews old friend of the podcast Jonathan about his recent trip to Europe.  Jon and his Thai wife Poom spent a couple weeks on vacation, first in Paris and then in Poland.  Jon begins talking about the multicultural nature of Paris, something he's familiar with as a native New Yorker.  He and his wife revelled in Paris's famous street culture: streets are very walkable, cafes abound, and sights are aplenty.  In fact, Jon's only worry was being ID'd as an American, leading to a funny story about his and his wife attempting to look European.  Listen in for the details.  Ed asks about the safety of Paris, something it's not known for, and Jon admitted to being apprehensive but admits that at least on this trip, they never felt uncomfortable. On to Poland!  Ed asks if there was an immediate difference between France and Poland, and Jon noted that both are very European and that he did not feel straight away as if he was in a different world.  However, one difference was that Poland appeared to be less multicultural, causing he and his wife to be a little more self-conscious.  But the Poles were friendly, and surprisingly, he and his wife found an excellent Thai restaurant in Krakow.  Who would have guessed? Jon reveals his true colors as a Bangkoker when he admits that after two weeks of the Old World, he was more than ready to return to the Big Mango. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events.  First, with the help of a cool blog on Thai history from our friend Ken Lohatepanont, Greg tells the story of some silver cannons gifted by King Narai of Siam to Louis XIV of France. It turns out that during the world-changing storming of the Bastille in 1789, those very same cannons were used by the revolutionaries to bring down the notorious prison. Who would have thought that Thai military equipment would play such a key role in world history? Next, Greg tells the story of two large cannons, known as Seri Negara and Seri Pattani, used by the southern Sultanate of Pattani. When Pattani eventually challenged Siam and lost, the Thai King seized the cannons as spoils of war. Alas, one ended up at the bottom of the sea, but the other is on display in front of the Thai Ministry of Defense to this day. Last, Greg relates the use of cannons by the famous Thai developer Nai Lert to mark the boundaries of his property that borders Sukhumvit and Wireless Road. The concrete remains can still be seen today outside of Central Embassy shopping mall.  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.  

Sooner or later, we all spend some time in the hospital, so Greg and Ed riff on their myriad experiences in Bangkok hospitals over the years. But before we get into that, we should note - due to Thailand's strict defamation laws, some of the places we talk about will remain nameless.  But with that out of the way, we can say that Thailand in general has pretty good medical care, and it is standard advice for travelers in neighboring countries to get over the border into Thailand if they have any medical problems. But, as Ed notes, Thailand does not have very good legal protections against medical malpractice: if a doctor makes a mistake, don't expect significant financial compensation from the Thai justice system. Greg and Ed then trade anecdotes about their own experiences in the Thai medical system, each with some good and bad things to say. Ed's life has been literally saved by competent doctors; Greg passed himself off as a Jedi in lieu of a real religion; both have been saved a ton of grief by getting a second opinion. Your mileage may vary, but both Greg and Ed agree, as a pure value proposition (i.e. what you get for the money), Thailand, though far from perfect, is a pretty good deal.  Listen in for some great advice on how to maximize your chances of getting a good experience at a Bangkok hospital.  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.