Chatwan Mongkok Digs Into Bangkok with His 'Soiciety' Newsletter [S8.E12]

Greg interviews returning guest Stu Jay Raj - polyglot, expert language teacher and man about town. Greg begins by asking Stu about his recent series of videos analyzing the second language capabilities of various celebrities, including Jon Cena and Robert DeNiro. Stu responds by explaining his MindKraft program, which is kind of a general learning system that can be applied to languages of all types, from linguistics to music to computer coding. Stu expounds his belief that the human brain is naturally hardwired for language of all kinds, and as long as you have the right attitude and approach, you can learn practically any language at any age. Stu then introduced the concept of 'neu,' which roughly translates as an accent that is slightly 'off' or as Stu puts it, 'smells' bad. He then discusses all the variations of 'off' accents, from Thais who live outside of Bangkok, to those who grew up overseas. What follows is a fascinating discussion of how Thais process accents and the difference between native English speakers (who are used to hearing accented English) and native Thai speakers (who generally are not). Dig in for some super cool linguistic gems (that is if you can get over your jealousy of Stu's knowledge and skills, which ain't easy). :) Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

21 Syys 202154min

Greg and Ed sit down with old friends and travel experts Trevor Ranges and Scott Coates of the Talk Travel Asia podcast. The guys run through a whole range of questions: How do you first come to Thailand? How did you meet each other? How do you adapt to Thai food? How did you learn (or not learn) Thai language? What Thai cultural rules have you learned? How long did it take to feel as if Thailand was really your home? And perhaps most significantly, how has Thailand changed you for the better? It's a fun discussion on all the mysteries of living in Asia that keep the place so interesting, and long-term expats amused, even after several decades. Listen in to hear the guys try to parse their unique experiences in the Land of Smiles over the last 20 years. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

14 Syys 202158min

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

7 Syys 202134min

Greg interviews Mark Siegel, the director of Golfasian, one of Asia's largest golf tour operators. Greg opens with the caveat that neither he nor Ed are golfers and leaves it up to Mark to do his best to sell us on a golf holiday in the Land of Smiles. Greg begins by noting that his first thought of a relaxing holiday would not be to spend 4 hours walking around in the scorching sun, but Mark (in the first of his many insights) responds that if you're back in the freezing winter of Canada you might! Mark then points out that the unique appeal of Thailand is that there are so many other things for tourists to do that even if you do spend 4 hours in the sun, the rest of the day can be spent getting a Thai massage or relaxing by the pool. In further discussions of what makes Thailand so good for golf compared to other destinations, Mark observes that there are over 60 (!) golf courses of all difficulty levels within proximity to Bangkok, and about one-third of them are owned by the military which means they are not run for profit and are incredibly cheap compared to places such as Japan. The guys continue with an in-depth discussion of the positive economic impact of golf courses on surrounding communities, what golf will look like in Thailand over the coming years, and how a golf holiday may actually be considered eco-friendly. By the end, Greg and Ed are sold. At least in theory. If they don't have to get off their couches. But you, you can go do it for real and tell us all about it! Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

31 Elo 202138min

In this episode, Greg fills us in on all the special concerns of being a parent in Bangkok. As if being a parent on its own didn't have enough surprises, it turns out there are several things to keep in mind if you are expecting or even just bringing a child to the Big Mango. Pre-eminent is of course the issue of proper schooling, be it Thai or international or some combination of both. Greg explains the 3 C's - cost, commute, and curriculum - that all new parents must build their life around. As Ed sits by in ignorant awe, Greg runs through other parental revelations, such as malls (of all things) actually being good things that can function as safe, fun, air-conditioned havens for kids. While Ed preaches the value of NOT driving in Bangkok, Greg lists all the advantages of having a car when burdened - er, blessed - with a child. More cool insights follow (did you ever consider looking at the size of the wheels on your stroller?), including a few lessons in cultural sensitivity. Bangkok may have the reputation of a hedonistic city of fun and frivolity, but when the stork comes calling, you probably want to listen to this episode. 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.

24 Elo 202136min

Greg interviews Kru Nan from the "You Too Can Learn Thai" podcast. Greg begins with the theory of the 'critical period,' that the human brain is primed to learn languages early in life but not later. Kru Nan notes that the research is not final and that adults might actually have some advantages over children. For example, adults may be able to absorb more information more quickly and also to contextualize it because of their pre-existing knowledge about the way the world works. Next, Greg and Kru Nan discuss the difference between beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners, from the nature of the class preparation to the study materials themselves. This leads to a fascinating discussion about how culture affects the interpretation of anecdotes and dreams. Listen in for details, but suffice it to say 'snakes' don't always mean the same thing around the world. Kru Nan follows with several more fascinating examples of how culture - both pop and traditional - affect our use of language. If you have any interest in improving your Thai, definitely check out www.youtoocanlearnthai.com for resources and the podcast by clicking here. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

17 Elo 202151min

Greg and Ed discuss some negative expat stereotypes - roughly the person you (probably) don't want to become while living in Thailand...at least forever. We all fall prey to stereotypes sometimes - they have to come from somewhere - but if you're not careful, you can become comfortable with some of these lifestyles and before you know it, they come to define your new identity in your new home, and suddenly you're known as The Whiner, or The Apologist. And that's just the beginning! Heaven forbid that people start to know you as The Premature Pontificator, or The Creep, The Slob, The Bubble Boy or The Player. Like we said, it's hard to escape most of these all the time, but Bangkok's mai-pen-rai lifestyle is addictive, and trust us - before you know it, a decade has gone by and you're still wearing that old Chang singlet out to dinner that you bought when you first arrived on Khao San Road (that'd be The Slob). Have a listen and see how Greg and Ed define these common tropes. 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.

10 Elo 202133min

Greg interviews Khun Panarat Anamwathana about the bombing of Bangkok during World War II. Beginning with a discussion about how Thai people today perceive Thailand's involvement in the Second World War, K. Panarat notes that many Thais' attitudes are actually shaped by popular culture and specific romantic stories about that time period in Thai history. Most Thais today don't realize the tragic nature of the conflict and the truly precarious nature of Thailand's relationship with both Japan and the western powers. Next, K. Panarat discusses the fascinating role of Seni Pramoj, the Thai Ambassador to the United States and his role in leading the Seri Thai, or 'Free Thai,' movement, the pro-Western faction of Thai society. Because of his role, Thailand largely escaped punishment after the West's victory. We also discuss which areas of the city were bombed, how the locals reacted and what role the government took vs grassroots groups in organizing evacuations. Greg and K. Panarat also elaborate on the unique role of Prime Minister Phibunsongkhram, one of the more colorful characters in Thai history as mentioned previously on the podcast. In short, although the Prime Minister officially supported the Japanese, he also sought aid from both Britain and America in a complicated game of diplomatic brinkmanship, shades of which you can still see in Thai society, where playing both sides can sometimes be a bit of an artform. Listen in for more details on what Greg and Ed think is the most fascinating period in Thai history. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

3 Elo 202149min