The Middle Path: Is Thailand an In-Between Country? [S5.E51]
The Bangkok Podcast8 Maalis 2022

The Middle Path: Is Thailand an In-Between Country? [S5.E51]

Greg and Ed consider the tricky question of Thailand's role in the global order. Sparked by a question from one of his students about what Thailand's response to the war in Ukraine should be, Ed realized that he's never really thought about the world from the perspective of the Thai government or even a Thai person. The guys do their best as non-Thais but long term expats to imagine what the world looks like to most Thais.

Ed discusses King Rama V's clever diplomatic maneuverings between the French and the British in the 19th Century that kept Thailand from ever being colonized. Greg brings up the classic example of Prime Minister Phibul during WW2, who sided with Japan when it was winning the war, but also conducting negotiations with the West as the tide turned. As a developing country, it DOES seem that Thailand has spent a big part of its history stuck in between larger powers.

The boys try to relate this to the current crisis in Ukraine, recognizing that as a country that depends on tourism, Thailand rightfully may not want to alienate Russian citizens. Even some prominent members of the democracy movement have cautioned Thais about taking sides in the conflict. However, others have urged that if Thailand wants to become a real democracy in the future, it must support emerging democracies abroad, such as Ukraine. As two Westerners at heart, the guys couldn't agree more! :)

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Jaksot(563)

Don't Do These Things: How to Earn an Expat Demerit Badge [S8.E9] (Classic ReCast)

Don't Do These Things: How to Earn an Expat Demerit Badge [S8.E9] (Classic ReCast)

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 Tha...

26 Elo 202537min

Bangkok Smackdown: Lumphini Park vs Benjakitti Park [S8.E8]

Bangkok Smackdown: Lumphini Park vs Benjakitti Park [S8.E8]

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 disclaim...

19 Elo 202539min

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

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 t...

13 Elo 202558min

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

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...

5 Elo 202526min

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

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 Thail...

29 Heinä 202546min

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

Greg and Ed discuss something that is more common than many people think: being wrong about expecting some Thai government project or initiative to fail. It's pretty easy, as expats often fall into th...

22 Heinä 202532min

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

Greg and Ed discuss a few of the many 'cringe' moments they have experienced over the years in failing to fit into Thai culture or 'do the right thing' according to Thai society. Ed begins with the ...

15 Heinä 202530min

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Greg interviews repeat guest Justin Dunne, who previously appeared on Season 6, Episode 24, discussing his cool side project 'Bangkok Haunts.' Justin's main gig is to be a legend of the Food & Beverag...

8 Heinä 202556min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

sita
olipa-kerran-otsikko
kaksi-aitia
hupiklubi
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
i-dont-like-mondays
ihme-ja-kumma
uutiscast
poks
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
antin-palautepalvelu
kolme-kaannekohtaa
mamma-mia
rss-murhan-anatomia
aikalisa
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
meidan-pitais-puhua
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
naakkavalta
mystista