The Bangkok Podcast16 Apr 2024

Stuart McDonald from Travelfish on Tourism Recovery in Thailand Through Visas, Backpackers...and Weed? [S7.E15]

This is Part 2 of our interview with Stuart MacDonald, Asian tourism expert and founder of TravelFish.org, arguably the best single resource for traveling in Southeast Asia. In this half of the interview, Greg, Ed and Stu revisit the tricky topic of 'overtourism,' an issue which attempts to find a balance between economic revenue from tourism, which in theory is good for local economies, and damage to the environment, which of course can in the long run make things worse for local people. Stu gives his take on how to find the right balance.

The old friends then address the perennial (and perplexing) obsession with 'high-quality tourists' by the Thai government. Stu gives new insights on the problem of 'leakage' (which is almost as gross as it sounds) - revenue from tourism that 'leaks' out of the local economy and into foreign investors and companies. It turns out that higher end tourism results in more of this drain, with a lower percentage of revenue actually making into the hands of local people. Backpackers for the win!

Last, the guys discuss the (green) elephant in the room: the decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand and the likely effect it will have on Thai tourism. Stu discusses the likely possibility that more tourists will flock to the Kingdom to experience the new freedom to indulge, but also points out the oversaturation of the market that can turn people off, whether it's tourists or locals themselves.

Tune in to hear a true expert's insights, rather than two random guys yammering! :)

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Episoder(574)

Strange Bedfellows: Prof. Khemthong on the Buddhism and Politics [S8.E52]

Ed interviews K. Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, a constitutional lawyer and professor from Chulalongkorn University whose work bridges law and Buddhism. After Ed shares his own background as an American...

14 Jul 42min

In the Know: A Few Deep Cut Reasons to Love Expat Life in Bangkok [S8.E51]

Greg and Ed explore the small, unexpected joys of being an expat living in Thailand. Ed begins the main discussion by sharing his amusement over miscommunications regarding his job. Despite teaching u...

7 Jul 31min

Realtor Tracy Leelalumlert Dives Deep Into Bangkok's Condo Market [S8.E50]

On the heels of a recent episode where Greg and Ed opined on the nuances of the tricky Bangkok property market, this time they have a real, er… real estate pro on to get into things from her POV - Tra...

30 Jun 47min

Thai Games: From Playgrounds to Cards to Beetle Fighting [S8.E49] (Classic ReCast)

Thanks to a suggestion from a listener Greg and Ed discuss the fascinating topic of games that are common - if not unique - to Thailand. Both guys have some familiarity with some games played in publi...

23 Jun 41min

Eight Specific Things That Bother Greg About Bangkok Driving [S8.E48]

Inspired by an unusually long commute, the boys decide to discuss a list of things - very specific things - that bother Greg while he drives his trusty silver Honda around Bangkok. Greg begins by shar...

16 Jun 32min

Conflict & Legacy: Journalist Denis Gray Discusses His New Memoir [S8.E47]

In this episode, Greg interviews legendary foreign correspondent Denis Gray about his memoir, Lost Horizons. Denis details his fascinating life story, beginning with his family's escape from communis...

9 Jun 43min

Thai Style vs Western Style: The Diverse Art of Storytelling [S8.E46]

With Ed unavailable this week, Greg welcomes his friend John as co-host to talk about storytelling. Specifically, the difference between how westerners tell stories, and how Thais tell stories. This i...

2 Jun 36min

Foreign Fool: A Conversation with Author Alan Platt [S8.E45] (Classic ReCast)

When it comes to characters, Bangkok has them in droves - people who have been places, eaten things, talked to people, and lived adventures that would make your mother put her hand to her mouth and pr...

26 Mai 32min