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

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(562)

How Thailand Changed Our Views on Fake Stuff [Season 4, Episode 35]

How Thailand Changed Our Views on Fake Stuff [Season 4, Episode 35]

Inspired by a great post on a Thisrupt, the topic is counterfeit goods. Most people are aware that all types of counterfeit goods are available for sale in Thailand, whether it is watches, handbags, D...

16 Jun 202032min

The Thai Foreign Ministry & Public Communication During COVID-19 [Season 4, Episode 34]

The Thai Foreign Ministry & Public Communication During COVID-19 [Season 4, Episode 34]

Greg interviews Khun Natapanu Nopakun, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You've probably seen him on TV - he's the guy who gives English language updates of what's going on ...

9 Jun 202035min

Lockdown: A Few Small Upsides to a BIG Downside [Season 4, Episode 33]

Lockdown: A Few Small Upsides to a BIG Downside [Season 4, Episode 33]

When you are a kid, you are taught to look on the bright side of everything. In that spirit, Greg and Ed search for any possible positives in their lives as a result of the lockdown (which, generally ...

2 Jun 202037min

Up Close & Personal With Thai Culture: The National Museum Volunteers [Season 4, Episode 32]

Up Close & Personal With Thai Culture: The National Museum Volunteers [Season 4, Episode 32]

You know how foreigners aren't allowed to be tour guides in Thailand? Well guess what - there's an interesting little loophole to that, and it's a great opportunity to get to know Thai culture in a ve...

26 Mai 202031min

Big Brother Says Hi: Do You Have More or Less Privacy in Thailand Than at Home? [Season 4, Episode 31]

Big Brother Says Hi: Do You Have More or Less Privacy in Thailand Than at Home? [Season 4, Episode 31]

Greg and Ed tackle the complex question of privacy in Thailand, especially as it compares to privacy back home. But there are lots of types of privacy, so what do we mean? Firstly, as an expat, you li...

19 Mai 202030min

Pain, Disease & Illness: The (Thai) Language of Medicine with Stu Jay Raj [Season 4, Episode 30]

Pain, Disease & Illness: The (Thai) Language of Medicine with Stu Jay Raj [Season 4, Episode 30]

The topic is a bit morbid but these are strange times - Greg interviews polyglot and podcast favorite Stu Jay Raj on the roots of the Thai language as they pertain to pain and medicine. They begin tra...

12 Mai 202047min

Thailand's Booze Ban: Good Strategy or Pointless Folly? [Season 4, Episode 29]

Thailand's Booze Ban: Good Strategy or Pointless Folly? [Season 4, Episode 29]

Greg and Ed recorded a show that goes in-depth on Thailand's alcohol ban and whether or not it makes sense as a way to combat the coronavirus. What they did NOT count on was the ban being lifted 3 day...

5 Mai 202042min

Author Phil Jablon on the Disappearing Legacy of Thai Cinemas [Season 4, Episode 28]

Author Phil Jablon on the Disappearing Legacy of Thai Cinemas [Season 4, Episode 28]

Greg interviews Phil Jablon, a true connoisseur of Southeast Asia's old movie theaters and author of the fantastic book Thailand's Movie Theaters: Relics, Ruins, and the Romance of Escape. As noted o...

28 Apr 202034min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
konspirasjonspodden
popradet
aftenpodden-usa
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
grenselos
wolfgang-wee-uncut
min-barneoppdragelse
synnve-og-vanessa
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
fladseth
frokostshowet-pa-p5
alt-fortalt
rss-dannet-uten-piano
198-land-med-einar-trnquist
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem