Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]
The Bangkok Podcast31 Okt 2023

Thai Superstition vs Western Skepticism: Building Bridges with Dr. Andrew Johnson Part 1 [S6.E63]

Part 1 of 2! Greg interviews author Andrew Johnson, a cultural anthropologist with an expertise in the supernatural beliefs of Thailand and how they interact with urban planning and architecture. First, Greg inquires about the nature of 'superstition' in Thailand, and whether Thai people truly live up to their reputation for being 'superstitious.' Andrew notes that the distinction between 'religion' and 'superstition' is really a modern formalization of certain 'official' religions, Buddhism in Thailand's case. But the nature of Buddhism is such that it is more tolerant of 'syncretism,' or the mixing of beliefs, so Thai culture is really steeped in three traditions: formal Theravada Buddhism, Brahmanism (an earlier form of Hinduism), and 'animism,' or the folk beliefs of early Thais.

Next, Andrew emphasizes that both the newer systems of belief and the older folk beliefs are actually in a constant state of evolution. Thais from the countryside steeped in animist ideas must adapt to living in a city of high rises and skytrains and taxis, just as Thais from the city may prefer modern variations of Buddhism (such as Dhammakaya or Santi Asoke) to traditional Theravada Buddhism.

The men continue with a fascinating exploration of the status of Bangkok in Thai society, how Thais address the issue of skepticism and belief, and how foreigners can best open their minds to Thai beliefs while keeping their feet on the ground.

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.

Episoder(561)

Foreigners Acting Badly: What Does it Take to Push Thais Over the Edge? [S7.E10]

Foreigners Acting Badly: What Does it Take to Push Thais Over the Edge? [S7.E10]

Greg and Ed discuss the Thai temperament and what exactly causes Thais to occasionally blow their collective lids. Greg uses the recent example of a Swiss expat who kicked a Thai woman in the back, al...

12 Mar 202431min

Our Friend Mookie Could Raise Her Kids Anywhere. So Why Thailand? [S7.E9]

Our Friend Mookie Could Raise Her Kids Anywhere. So Why Thailand? [S7.E9]

Ed interviews his former student Mookie about her experience studying in the U.K. and her later choice to move her family back from the U.K. to Thailand. The two old friends begin reminiscing about Ed...

5 Mar 20241h 2min

Ahh, Memories... Greg and Ed Discuss Those Vivid Early Bangkok Days [S7.E8]

Ahh, Memories... Greg and Ed Discuss Those Vivid Early Bangkok Days [S7.E8]

Getting a bit nostalgic after listening to Tay-Tay's latest album, Greg and Ed reminisce about their respective first year's in Bangkok by recounting their most vivid early memories, something that's ...

27 Feb 202435min

Adventures in Filmmaking With Expat Extraordinaire David Cluck - Part 2 [S7.E7]

Adventures in Filmmaking With Expat Extraordinaire David Cluck - Part 2 [S7.E7]

This is Part 2 of Ed's interview with friend and expat extraordinaire David Cluck. The guys pick up where they left off, discussing the holy grail: living in Thailand but making a Western salary. Davi...

20 Feb 202452min

Adventures in Filmmaking With Expat Extraordinaire David Cluck - Part 1 [S7.E6]

Adventures in Filmmaking With Expat Extraordinaire David Cluck - Part 1 [S7.E6]

Ed interviews David Cluck, a Bangkok-based filmmaker, friend of the podcast and bona-fide "interesting expat". The guys begin talking about their mutual love of Thailand, but then go back to the begin...

13 Feb 202456min

Land of Frowns: Ed Details Lessons Learned from a Thai Divorce [S7.E5]

Land of Frowns: Ed Details Lessons Learned from a Thai Divorce [S7.E5]

We're getting a bit personal on this episode as Ed talks about his marriage and eventual divorce in Thailand. Although it's a difficult topic, enough time has elapsed that Ed is ready to discuss wheth...

6 Feb 202441min

Dr. Natthawat Hongkarnjanakul on Thailand's Space Ambitions [S7.E4]

Dr. Natthawat Hongkarnjanakul on Thailand's Space Ambitions [S7.E4]

Ahh, Thailand. Beaches, sunsets, late-night parties, serene temples, and…space technology design and future satellite launch site? Greg interviews Dr. Natthawat Hongkarnjanakul of the Thai Geo-Inform...

30 Jan 202445min

Expat Wins! Six Situations That Level Up Your Bangkok Life [S7.E3]

Expat Wins! Six Situations That Level Up Your Bangkok Life [S7.E3]

Greg and Ed discuss situations - whether they come from luck or strategy - that can seriously improve your quality of life in Bangkok. The guys try to avoid the super obvious things - getting a better...

23 Jan 202431min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
konspirasjonspodden
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
wolfgang-wee-uncut
grenselos
alt-fortalt
min-barneoppdragelse
fladseth
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
synnve-og-vanessa
krisemoter
198-land-med-einar-trnquist
rss-frekvens-med-anine-olsen